The Congolese National Police (PNC) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have launched joint patrols throughout the capital city Kinshasa, in the aftermath of last Sunday’s coup attempt.
The security authorities began the joint patrols on the night of Tuesday, May 21, 2024 following a security meeting between Commissioner General of police Benjamin Alongaboni and the regional commander of the FARDC.
Security has been a major concern in Kinshasa that has been infested with junkies and juvenile delinquents who have been committing several crimes including robbery due to the lawlessness and porousness of the police and the relevant authorities in the city.
Kinshasa Provincial Police Commissioner Blaise Kilimbalimba officially launched the patrols with the objective of strengthening the security of people and their property in the context of the failed putsch.
Kilimbalimba added that the patrols will also aim to ensure proper sanitation in the city and crack down on pirate markets and noise pollution.
At few weeks ago, the national Minister of the Interior had also launched the “Black Panther” operation which is a track down of delinquents with the aim of reducing crime and insecurities perpetrated by the “Kuluna” boys in Kinshasa.
On Sunday, May 19, the spokesman of the armed forces, Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge, announced on national television (RTNC), that the country had been faced with a failed coup attempt at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa led by a group of heavily armed men lad by Chrisitan Malanga who was killed.
Malanga and his forces during coup d’état attempt had also attacked the residence of the former Deputy Prime Minister and candidate for the presidency of the National Assembly Vital Kamerhe, causing the death of two police officers assigned to guard him.
For its part, the Government of the Republic reassured that measures have been taken to strengthen the security of the country’s institutions and officials.
