Fatshimetrie, 07 October 2024 (ACP) – An intensive training programme on crowd and protest management was recently organised in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative aimed to strengthen the operational skills of law enforcement officers, particularly the Congolese National Police (PNC), to enable them to adopt modern techniques and advanced skills in this specific field.
Facilitated by law enforcement experts and supported by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), the training focused on various crucial aspects of crowd management in crisis situations. The aim was to prepare police officers to deal with potentially dangerous situations while respecting international human rights standards.
The training session included practical exercises that allowed participants to familiarise themselves with realistic scenarios involving hostile protests and angry crowds. The professionals reviewed self-defense techniques, methods of arresting protesters, tactical charges and hostage release simulations. Through these simulations, the police officers were able to gain valuable experience and improve their responsiveness in crisis situations.
The training took place at the Bunia Police Academy and brought together police officers from different services, including the Mobile Intervention Group (GMI) and the Mobile Intervention Squadron (EMI). Realistic scenarios were set up, putting officers in a situation facing a hostile crowd and the challenges of managing public demonstrations.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of maintaining public order in a professional and human rights-respecting manner. Participants were trained to adopt effective strategies to defuse tensions, control crowds and ensure the safety of citizens while avoiding the excessive use of force.
In conclusion, this training session allowed law enforcement officers to strengthen their operational capacities and acquire essential skills in crowd and demonstration management. Through practical exercises and realistic scenarios, the police officers were able to improve their preparation and responsiveness to complex situations. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Congolese authorities and the international community to promote professional police practices that respect human rights.