** Electric breakdowns in Bandundu: a call for reflection on infrastructure and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo **
On June 1, 2025, the city of Bandundu, located in the province of Kwilu, was plunged into darkness following a power failure that impacted the daily life of its inhabitants. This situation, caused by a cut of a 220 kV phase on the high voltage line connecting Maluku to Bandundu, asks fundamental questions about the state of energy infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as on the security challenges that the region represents.
### a worrying electrical context
The National Electricity Company (SNEL), a public company in charge of electricity supply, has confirmed that the shortage of electricity could be linked to acts of sabotage on infrastructure. Prosperous Bakuku, provincial director of the SNEL in Bandundu, spoke of previous sabotage, mentioning actions allocated to the Mubondo militia. Although accusations of sabotage must be treated with caution, they highlight the vulnerabilities faced by crucial infrastructures in the DRC.
Indeed, the delivery of electricity in remote areas, often affected by armed conflicts, remains a major challenge. The electric lines cross territories partially controlled by armed groups, which arouses concerns about the protection of these vital facilities for the population. It is essential to question the security strategies put in place to defend these infrastructure against any form of attacks.
### An impact on daily life
The power cut has dramatic repercussions on the daily life of the bindu city dwellers. In a country where access to electricity is already limited, a prolonged breakdown may cause an already precarious situation, affecting not only public lighting, but also the supply of drinking water, the functioning of health establishments, and economic activity. How can populations, already proven, face such situations of recurring crisis?
The SNEL called for patience and calm, while promising to deploy technical teams to try to quickly solve the problem. However, the repetition of such breakdowns questions the need to improve existing infrastructure and the way in which energy management is thought in a country rich in resources but where access to electricity remains a luxury for many people.
### to a lasting solution
It is fundamental that the Congolese authorities are looking at these challenges not only in terms of security, but also in the context of a long -term energy strategy. This could include investments in modern technologies, improving infrastructure and strengthening safety measures in the field. These steps could help establish a safer environment for technicians working on these lines.
In addition, dialogue with local communities is essential. The awareness of populations on safety issues and infrastructure protection could make it possible to build a bond of trust, thus limiting the risks of sabotage.
### Conclusion
The electricity failure in Bandundu, although worrying, constitutes a starting point for a broader reflection on the state of infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By investing in security, infrastructure and establishing a dialogue with communities, it is possible to lay the foundations for a future where access to energy becomes a shared right, not a privilege. The current crisis can thus become an opportunity to act for a more resilient and equitable energy system in the country.