### Kinshasa: a new breath for public security with the equipment of the national police
On Saturday, a significant ceremony was held in front of the People’s Palace in Kinshasa, when the Minister of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani, presented to the Congolese National Police (PNC) a lot of brand new equipment. This donation includes 100 anti-riot vehicles and 600 electric shields in polycarbonate, in order to strengthen the operational capacities of the police in an increasingly worrying safety context. This event raises several crucial questions concerning the efficiency and impact of such investments in public security and the management of social tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
### into innovative equipment for a font in reconstruction
The enthusiasm expressed by Benjamin Alongabony, the number one of the PNC, upon receiving these vehicles, illustrates a desire for modernization within the police. These 100 new units complement a fleet already enriched by the acquisition of 110 Jeeps Land Cruiser in 2024, representing a significant investment in the logistics equipment of the police. In terms of figures, these acquisitions may seem modest with regard to the vast security challenges that the DRC faces, where insecurity and armed conflicts remain omnipresent, especially in the east of the country.
According to the United Nations, the DRC recorded more than 1,500 armed conflicts and incidents of violence in 2023 only, putting the PNC to Rude. Thus, the question arises: will these equipment be sufficient to deal with the current chaotic context putting to the test not only the safety of civilians, but also the capacity of the PNC to place security at the heart of its missions?
### The role of civil society and local actors
The innovative aspect of this investment lies in the fact that it is not simply a strengthening of police capacities. As the material is important, the human factor and the relationships of trust between the PNC and the population are essential. Recent events have shown that police legitimacy cannot only be obtained by advanced equipment, but in parallel with training and awareness initiatives within communities.
It is essential to involve civil society and local organizations in the development and execution of public security policies. Initiatives such as community forums should be strengthened to build mutual trust between PNC and the population. Effective collaboration can refine not only the approach of PNC in the face of potential violence, but also allow citizens to feel actors on their own security.
#### Prospects for the future: training and transparency
In addition to the material equipment, the challenges that the PNC faces require reflection on the continuous training of its members. In 2021, the report of the United Nations Bureau for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) pointed out the insufficient training on respect for human rights for the security forces. The way the equipment is used will determine their impact. For this, an intensive human rights training program and conflict management could support this logistical allocation.
A persistent regret is the lack of transparency concerning the management of the resources allocated to the PNC. Coming to an effective and transparent distribution of these new equipment would help to appease the tensions potentially generated by suspicions of inequality in their distribution. Public opinion needs to be reassured about how these vehicles and shields will be made available to avoid any abuse.
#### In conclusion
The arrival of 100 anti-riot vehicles and 600 electric shields in PNC ranks is an undeniable advance and necessary to improve public security in Kinshasa. However, it is essential to go beyond simple figures and to assess the effectiveness of these acquisitions through the prism of an inclusive and human rights policy. The modernization of the PNC will depend as much on its equipment as on its ability to forge bonds of trust with citizens, making security a collective effort. The issues are high, but with an integrated approach, the DRC could hope for a more serene future for its citizens.