** The appointment of Chantal Apendeki: a milestone in the fight against crime in Central Africa **
On May 18, 2025, a notable event occurred in Kinshasa with the arrival of Ms. Chantal Apendeki, recently promoted general of the Congolese National Police (PNC) and head of the Interpol office in Central Africa. This elevation, the fruit of a presidential order dated April 2, 2025, raises questions on the dynamics of security and justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as the scale of Central Africa.
The appointment of Chantal Apendeki, who is the first woman to assume functions of this scale within Interpol, is also significant in many ways. It represents an advance not only in the recognition of women in positions of responsibility within the police forces, but also a symbol of hope in a context where the fight against crime remains a major challenge. The DRC, with its vast natural resources and its strategic geographic position, is at the crossroads of several forms of crime: drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, and armed militias, among others.
Chantal Apendeki clearly affirmed his commitment to the fight against this crime, stressing the importance of transmitting his experiences to young officers and working particularly for the promotion of women in the security services. This declaration raises an essential point: how can training and mentoring influence the structure of the police, especially in a country in the grip of insecurity? Young officers trained by competent and committed leaders could potentially change the face of security in the DRC.
However, this course is not without challenges. The head of state’s confidence towards Ms. Apendeki is completely commendable. However, it also questions political and operational conditions within the PNC and how these conditions can influence operational efficiency. The question then arises: what means will be put in place to ensure that the commitment of the new general is not a promise, but is transformed into concrete actions against crime?
It is also necessary to mention the role that Interpol plays in this complex network of information exchange and cooperation between the Member States. In a world where criminal threats are increasingly transnational, collaboration between police forces is more than ever necessary. Apendeki, as a general officer, finds himself at a crossroads between the international and the premises. How will this duality be managed to make the most of Interpol resources to strengthen the efficiency of the PNC?
Another notable dimension is the question of social justice. The fight against crime cannot be dissociated from the improvement of the living conditions of local populations. Poverty, social exclusion and lack of education are often the grounds on which illicit activities prospered. What role can PNC play under the direction of Chantal Apendeki to hire communities and promote security that is not only repressive, but also preventive?
In this context, it is essential that Ms. Apendeki’s vision is part of a broader process of reforms in the field of security and justice in the DRC. It is only by combining political efforts, community commitments, and international cooperation that we can hope to see a real improvement in the security situation.
In short, the appointment of Chantal Apendeki is a decisive moment which can potentially catalyze significant changes in the fight against crime in DRC and Central Africa. However, it will take constant vigilance and collective commitment to ensure that these promises result in tangible results. The question that remains is that of the posture adopted by all the stakeholders involved to transform this opportunity into a lasting and inclusive positive impact.