** Vigilance situation in Kolwezi: security issues and urban anticipation **
On March 21, 2023, the city of Kolwezi, in the mining province of Lualaba in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was the scene of a police operation that led to the arrest of a dozen individuals, of Congolese and Zambian origin, for suspicions of illegal presence on Congolese soil. The arrest, orchestrated by the mayor, Maître Jacques Masengo Kindele, and carried out in collaboration with the city commander, Emmanuel Katambo, is part of a larger framework for security concerns which at present, affect many regions of the country.
### a worrying security context
The DRC, in particular its eastern part, faces a multitude of security challenges, exacerbated by ethnic conflicts, armed groups and humanitarian crises. According to a report by the International Crisis Group, more than 5.5 million people are currently moved due to persistent violence in the country. In this context, Kolwezi’s operation is not just a reactive response to a perceived threat, but is part of a prevention strategy aimed at anticipating risks before they become crises.
The authorities of Kolwezi, by identifying and questioning these individuals, seek not only to ensure the immediate security of the inhabitants, but also to establish a culture of collective vigilance. In addition, this approach is part of a desire to assert the authority of the state in the face of a population which, fearing infiltration, requires tangible and rapid responses.
## The complexity of cross -border mobility
The situation highlighted by this operation recalls that human mobility is a complex phenomenon, often intertwined with economic realities. The boundaries between the DRC and Zambia are vital commercial corridors, but they are also passing areas for migrants looking for better opportunities. The clandestine migrants can contribute to positive economic dynamics, but in times of insecurity, their presence quickly becomes suspicious.
Statistically, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), most population movements in Central Africa come from people displaced by war, poverty or the search for better living conditions. In the case of the DRC, informal economies often develop around these populations, making their identification and their management even more complex.
### An apparent dilemma between security and human rights
The reaction of the authorities of Kolwezi poses the crucial question of the balance between public security and the rights of individuals. In a climate of mistrust, massive arrests can arouse concern about human rights violations. Voices are heard internationally to recall that respect for the rule of law is fundamental, even in a context where the State is desperately seeking to keep its authority.
While the town hall of Kolwezi calls for citizen vigilance, it is relevant to wonder to what extent local actors will be involved in this security process. Participatory governance initiatives, which include residents in security decisions, are often perceived as more effective methods to strengthen confidence between the population and the authorities.
### Conclusion: towards an enriched reflection
The arrest of suspicious people in Kolwezi must be analyzed in the light of a broader paradigm of security, economy and human rights. Far from being a simple news item, this event signals the imperative need to approach human mobility in a holistic way, recognizing the economic and social issues that are linked to it.
Vigilance is essential, but it must be combined with a nuanced understanding of the complex context in which the populations evolve. In order to ensure security while respecting human rights, it is crucial to invest in strategies that promote inclusion, communication and mutual respect. Thus, the city of Kolwezi may well become a model for other areas affected by similar tensions, by illustrating that a proactive and inclusive approach can lead to long -term sustainable security.
Fatshimetrics will continue to follow this question of capital importance, because the future of many communities is based on the ability to build bridges rather than walls.