### Repeated arrest at Kinshasa Airport: reflections on precariousness and emigration
On May 30, 2025, a young man was arrested at N’Djili international airport in Kinshasa during a new illegal trip to Europe attempt. This case raises various questions around the complex motivations that push an individual to take such large risks. This situation is neither isolated, nor simply an act of individual despair, but rather reflects wider systemic challenges.
#### A repetitive cycle
During his arrest, it was reported that this young man, who has already been arrested several times for similar attempts, managed to infiltrate the tarmac of the airport by disguising himself as agent of the Airway Régie (RVA). The question here is that of airport security and the mechanisms in place to prevent such incidents. If this young man has been able to renew his attempts, it may underline gaps in the control and prevention system.
The statements of a police/RVA official suggest a certain disarray in the face of the situation. The man was arrested seven times and, despite his previous offenses, he was released each time, which could indicate weakness in the judicial monitoring of the recurrences. This vicious circle questions the public about the nature of justice in terms of non -violent delinquency and the intensity of the measures to be taken to deal with these cases.
#### The question of motivation
To fully grasp the phenomenon of illegal immigration, it is essential to examine the reasons that push young people, like this, to take such risks. In many cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, educational, economic and social limited perspectives channel youth aspirations towards desperate escape attempts. The image of an Eldorado in Europe, often exacerbated by accounts of success circulating through various channels, can encourage individuals to believe that only a leak abroad could guarantee them a better quality of life.
#### The stake of mental health
Another dimension raised by this case is taking into account the mental health of those arrested. According to reported information, a doctor must follow the young man to assess his mental state. This leads us to reflect on the importance of a framework which is not simply limited to legal sanctions, but which also seeks to understand and treat the psychological and social roots of deviant behavior. The stigma and the simplistic judgment of people in distress can often mask real issues and prevent any form of support.
#### Towards a collective reflection
The situation of this young man, although individual, refers to larger societal issues: living conditions, political instability, lack of opportunities and economic instability in certain regions of the DRC. What alternative solutions could be envisaged to promote local development and thus reduce emigration attempts? Cooperation between governments, NGOs, and international organizations could play a decisive role in assisting the transition of these young people to legal and constructive paths within their own country.
In conclusion, the arrest of this young man at Kinshasa airport is not just a simple story of an individual seeking to flee: it represents a window on complex societal realities, where it becomes imperative to analyze deep causes and build lasting solutions. By expanding our understanding and approaching this problem with humanity, perhaps we can create bridges towards a better future for a whole generation.