** RN17: When the infrastructure comes up against insecurity and abandonment **
The national road number 17 (RN17), which extends from Bandundu to Kinshasa via Kwamouth, is a poignant revealer of the challenges that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is confronted. This vital corridor, measuring 250 kilometers, represents much more than a simple means of transporting goods and people; It is the thread of the resilience of a population that suffers from the erosion of the infrastructure and activism of a militia.
### An alarming state of degradation
The current situation of the RN17 reports a disturbing dilapidation state: quagmire, gaping holes and severe erosion are all obstacles that make travel almost impossible, especially during the rainy season. The internal communication between two major cities, crucial for economic development, is threatened not only by perilous travel conditions, but also by the omnipresent threat of the Mibondo militia.
Recent statistics indicate that almost 60 % of users of this route report incidents related to vehicle breakdowns and accidents, a reality that contrasts with the government’s commitment to restore peace and security. Indeed, these data testify to a vicious cycle of degradation and abandonment which could affect millions of Congolese.
### a worrying security context
The security impasse in Kwamouth exacerbated by the activism of the Mibondo militia has a devastating impact on the local economy. The fear of being attacked pushes certain traders to abandon this road, however strategic for the transport of foodstuffs and consumer goods. According to the World Bank report, lack of access to adequate transport infrastructure could reduce GDP from a region by 1 to 2 % per year.
In addition to this invisible threat, the Congolese government faces the delicate question of infrastructure investment in a climate of insecurity. In July 2022, hope was tangible when modernization works had been launched. But this momentum suddenly stopped following the tragic death of a Chinese worker, revealing the fragility of any infrastructure initiative in this risk region.
### towards revitalization or total abandonment?
Faced with this dark painting, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa recently underlined government efforts to restore security and order. But can we really dissociate the security of the economy in an area struck by abandonment and insecurity? The promises of modernization could come up against the lack of will – both national and international – to invest in an unstable environment.
A parallel can be established with other regions of Africa, such as Kenya, where strategic roads have been secured thanks to public-private partnerships and the direct commitment of local authorities. The Kenyan model could offer precious insights for the DRC, particularly in terms of collaboration with private players to strengthen both security and infrastructure.
### A road as a symbol of resilience
Beyond figures and statistics, the RN17 symbolizes the daily struggle of several communities which advance despite enormous challenges. The life stories of merchants, motorists and residents of Kwamouth territory are a reflection of the sacrifices and hopes that these individuals carry in a context which seems to be unfavorable to them.
Restoration of the RN17 or final abandonment, the choice will not only influence the economic dynamics of the region, but also the perception that the population of its security and the government’s commitment has. The future of this road thus transcends its physical status: it foreshadows that of a hope for more sustainable political and economic structures in the DRC.
### Conclusion
While the DRC government is trying to revitalize the RN17 and improve the security situation, it is crucial not to lose sight of this route is not just a simple axis of transport. It is the pulse of life of a region which aspires to prosperity. The real challenges that the authorities must take up far beyond the material restoration; It is a question of ensuring sustainable security, a fundamental issue for the future of a country rich in its resources, but poor in infrastructure. The future of the RN17 is a file to follow closely, because it could well determine the course of stability and development in the DRC.