### Kinshasa: towards a new approach to urban security
On June 1, 2025, the appointment of a new provincial police commissioner in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was announced by the city authorities. This decision is part of a context marked by growing concerns concerning public security, particularly in the face of the multiplication of delinquency acts such as armed robbery. As indicated in a statement consulted by Fatshimetrie, this initiative not only aims to combat crime, but also to improve the coordination of security forces and the response to alerts.
#### Safety context in Kinshasa
Kinshasa, with its rapidly growing population and its socio-economic challenges, is faced with a series of complex problems that exacerbate insecurity. The areas such as heavyweights, identified as notorious crime poles, illustrate the need for a systematic and adaptable approach in matters of public security. The proliferation of “kuluna”, these bands of young criminals, as well as questions related to poverty, social exclusion and drug addiction add layers of complexity to this problem.
In this context, the appointment of the new provincial police commissioner raises questions about the means that will be implemented to achieve the objective of “zero kuluna”. This slogan, although ambitious, invites us to reflect on the feasibility of such a promise in an environment where the deep causes of crime are multifacettes and often anchored in difficult socio-economic realities.
#### The objectives set
The commissioner received clear instructions from Governor Daniel Bumba, who wishes to focus on several axes:
1. ** Improvement of public security **: this includes not only the repression of crimes, but also of preventive initiatives which could send problems such as juvenile delinquency, vagrancy and theft of automotive parts.
2. ** Fight against environmental pollution **: in parallel with security, taking into account environmental crimes is notable. This reflects a desire to integrate an ecological dimension into urban security.
3. ** Fluidity of traffic and public spaces **: traffic management and the development of public spaces are among the priorities. This suggests a link between urban organization and security, an aspect often neglected in conventional security policies.
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The implementation of these new guidelines could however encounter several obstacles. Among the major challenges, public opinion concerning the police force itself deserves attention. Citizens have often perceived the police as a threat rather than a support, which complicates the collaboration necessary to establish a climate of trust. To distinguish the police as “a bulwark and not as a threat” requires deep changes not only in the police strategy, but also in training and mentalities within the police.
Another crucial point is the need for a community approach. Security should not only be the affair of the authorities, but also an issue shared between residents, businesses and civil society. How to mobilize these different actors and integrate their voices into the definition of solutions adapted to local realities?
#### Effective and lasting perspectives
For the security strategy to be truly effective and lasting, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach. This implies analyzing not only the symptoms of crime, but also its causes. The fight against poverty, the promotion of education and employment opportunities are avenues that could help reduce long -term crime.
In addition, local authorities must consider an information return system where citizens can express their concerns while receiving feedback on the actions undertaken by the police. This partnership could strengthen not only confidence, but also create an environment conducive to community development.
### Conclusion
The appointment of the new provincial police commissioner in Kinshasa and the objectives assigned to him represent an opportunity to initiate a significant transformation in the management of urban security. Despite the challenges that stand on this path, the will displayed by the authorities to respond to the concerns of citizens is a first step towards a necessary reconciliation between the population and the police. Through a shared commitment to security and well-being, it is possible to envisage a future where Kinshasa, while facing his challenges, could also transform into a space of peaceful and harmonious coexistence.