Abstract
For several decades, the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has faced a continuous deterioration of the insecurity situation. In this context of persistent violence, the South Kivu province, and primarily its capital city, Bukavu, has not been spared. On the contrary, the latter is confronted with growing urban insecurity, characterized by an alarming frequency of criminal acts and serious offenses. This situation, far from being temporary, reflects a context of weakened governance, notably due to the presence of illegitimate authorities linked to the M23-AFC (Mouvement du 23 Mars/Allience Fleuve Congo) coalition. The lack of an adequate institutional response to this insecurity has reinforced a sense of abandonment and vulnerability among the local population already vulnerable due to the spike in urban violence or criminal activity. This article offers an analysis of the underlying causes of this unprecedented security crisis by examining the political, social, and institutional dynamics at play in the city of Bukavu. The study focuses on the various triggers of local insecurity, including residential burglary, the pervasive feeling of insecurity, organized crime, murder and the concerning phenomenon of vigilantism (popular or mob justice). The findings will allow us to formulate concrete recommendations and propose a partial guide for decision making bodies and the local improve the security situation and foster the emergence of a safer society.
Keywords
Criminal Acts, Urban Insecurity, Rebels, Feeling of Insecurity, Problem Situation
1. Introduction
Earlier criminology was essentially a
criminology of the criminal, showing little interest in victims or social control. Today, criminologists have broadened their horizons. They have developed
victimology and have multiplied studies on social reaction and internal security. Thus, at the core of contemporary criminology, we find a
triangular relationship between the criminal, the victim, and the security actor. The criminal attacks his victim and then appeals to the police, an elder, or another security actoré
| [1] | Abarelo, L. (2012). Learning How to Conduct Research. Brussels: De Boeck. |
[1]
.
At the outset, it is essential to distinguish
delinquency/violence from
insecurity. The former refers to acts, while the latter relates to the
consequences of these acts. Insecurity is a
paralyzing feeling with multiple sources. It arises both from personal experience and, collectively, from information disseminated by the media and the social organization of urban spaces
| [2] | Amario, P. & Roccato, M. (2004). Nature and Functioning of the Central Core of a Social Representation. International Journal of Social Psychology. |
[2]
.
Urban insecurity represents an imbalance between individuals, communities, and physical environments, influenced by social and economic factors
| [3] | Arouna, T. (2024: 3–5). The Rise of Vigilante Justice in Cameroon. International Review of Criminology and Technical and Scientific Police. |
[3]
. In this regard, insecurity constitutes a major challenge currently confronting the city of Bukavu. It should therefore be among the
priority concerns for both citizens and authorities. In this region, the phenomenon of insecurity is expanding in both
severity and
geographical scope. Even areas previously considered safe are now affected by these alarming dynamics.
Urban delinquency in Bukavu no longer consists merely of minor acts such as petty theft or small-scale trafficking. It now manifests through unprecedented forms of criminality, including murders, targeted assassinations, looting, and burglaries. This escalation calls for heightened vigilance and highlights the presence of
organized criminal networks operating in the region
| [5] | Cusson, M. (1998). Contemporary Criminology. Les Classiques des Sciences Sociales. |
[5]
.
Despite efforts by the local population and urban authorities though temporarily under the control of rebel groups these criminal phenomena continue to intensify and grow more complex. Moreover, due to the absence or limited reach of media outlets, information on cases of assaults, armed robberies, and homicides is primarily relayed by residents themselves, thereby reinforcing an omnipresent climate of insecurity.
This study aims to analyze the
etiological factors of the growing urban insecurity observed in Bukavu during the months of February and March
| [4] | Beaurepaire, C. (2012). The Social and Psychological Vulnerability of Prisoners and Ex-Inmates. Revue du Mauss. |
[4]
. A
qualitative approach was chosen to gain a deep understanding of the social and criminological dynamics at work in the affected neighborhoods. The data were collected from empirical research conducted between February 15 and March 15,
| [6] | Garoscio, A. (2006). Social Representations of Insecurity in Urban Areas. International Journal of Social Psychology. |
[6]
, across five specific districts: Nyalukemba, Mukukwe, Essence, Buholo, and Panzi.
The selection of these neighborhoods was not random it was based on the complexity and intensity of the insecurity phenomena reported there, as well as their socio-economic diversity, providing a rich ground for comparative analysis. Data collection relied primarily on two methods: direct in situ observation and semi-structured interviews. Observation enabled researchers to document visible manifestations of insecurity (police presence, risky behaviors, community reactions, etc.), while interviews were conducted with residents, traders, community leaders, and, where possible, law enforcement agents.
These combined methods yielded substantial qualitative information essential to understanding the root causes of insecurity. The data were then analyzed thematically, taking into account recurring patterns, contradictions, and neighborhood-specific features.
Apart from this introduction and the conclusion, this work is structured around two main sections:
1) Some
problem-situations triggering insecurity in Bukavu between February and March
| [7] | Lagrange, H. (2003). The Demand for Security. Paris: Seuil. |
[7]
;
2) The causes of insecurity in Bukavu.
2. Problem-Situations
Problem-situations are defined as any circumstance that disrupts the well-being or peace of individuals in a society. These situations can be either
criminalized (provided for by law and included in the Penal Code) or
non-criminalized (not codified in legal texts). Although the city of Bukavu faces a multitude of challenges, this study focuses on several key issues observed between February and March
| [8] | Lombroso, C. (1907). Crime: Causes and Remedies. 2nd edition. Paris: Félix Alcan. |
[8]
, regarded as
triggers of urban insecurity. These include
residential burglaries, the feeling of insecurity, cases of mob justice, murders, and
organized crime (such as vehicle theft).
These dynamics reflect the evolution and severity of the security challenges facing Bukavu and call for in-depth analysis to identify their underlying causes and develop effective intervention strategies.
2.1. Residential Burglaries
Among the various problem-situations mentioned above, residential burglaries defined as unlawful break-ins into private homes represent one of the most frequent occurrences. This phenomenon affects a significant proportion of the population, underscoring its concerning nature within this broader context of urban insecurity.
Furthermore, residential burglaries entail
substantial economic and social costs. The economic costs include expenses related to policing, insurance premiums, and the installation of security measures or devices, as well as the
direct financial losses suffered by uninsured victims.
, the social costs include
psychological consequences: even when burglaries occur in the absence of occupants, they constitute a
real violation of privacy and can cause long-lasting fear and emotional pain particularly when stolen or damaged items hold sentimental value.
To these costs, one may add physical harms, as victims sometimes endure assaults or injuries during break-ins, jeopardizing their physical integrity. The ripple effects extend to third parties, such as neighbors and communities who experience heightened anxiety and feelings of insecurity.
In this regard, Zoulou, a resident of Nyawera, testified: “As you already know, my neighbors were victims of a burglary where armed individuals broke into their homes. Imagine four homes targeted within the same perimeter! This shows it’s only a matter of time before others are hit as well. These criminals stole all valuables, demanding cell phones and money, as if they already knew what resources were available in these homes. They pushed their violence to the extreme shooting one person, who later succumbed to their wounds, and seriously injuring others...”
Burglary thus appears as an
opportunistic crime, influenced by the
daily routines of both victims and offenders an idea analyzed
| [10] | Moser, G. (1998). Attribution of Causes and Evolution of the Feeling of Insecurity Among Victims of Different Types of Theft. International Journal of Social Psychology. |
[10]
through the lens of
situational crime prevention, examining opportunities and measures to reduce risks.
2.2. The Feeling of Insecurity
Several scholars emphasize the multifaceted structure of the feeling of insecurity (
Amerio & Roccato, | [11] | Moser, G. (2004). Psychosocial and Environmental Conditions Underlying a Feeling of Insecurity. Psychology and Society. |
[11]
| [12] | Olivier de Sardan, J.-P. (2008). The Rigor of Qualitative Research: The Empirical Constraints of Socio-Anthropological Interpretation. Academia Bruylant, Louvain. |
[12]
Indeed, the feeling of insecurity appears to combine two main components: a certain personal fear, associated in people’s minds with the risk of becoming a victim of crime oneself; and a broader concern for safety, which expresses diffuse anxiety regarding crime and its perceived causes.
Some authors argue, however, that the probability of being victimized matters little to individuals. What counts most is their capacity to cope with delinquent acts, particularly in terms of
causal attribution. According to
Moser | [13] | Paquin, S. (2007). The Feeling of Insecurity in Urban Public Spaces and Personal Risk Assessment Among Health Workers. New Social Practices. |
[13]
, the feeling of insecurity can be understood as
“a deficit of environmental appropriation accompanied by a sense of lack of control.” Similarly
| [14] | Quivy, R. & Campenhoudt, L. V. (2011). Research Methods in the Social Sciences. 4th edition. Paris: Dunod. |
[14]
, defines it as
“a concern for security translating into a diffuse worry about crime and its presumed causes.”In urban settings, the feeling of insecurity represents a multiform fear based on crime, incivilities, intimidation, and acts of violence occurring in public spaces. It is determined by an individual’s personal assessment of risk. Such personal assessment allows people to identify both
risk factors and
protective factors in their physical and social environments and to mobilize them to restore a sense of safety
| [15] | Rakotomavo, V. (2015). Vigilante Justice in Criminal Law. University of Antananarivo, Department of Law. |
[15]
.
In the city of Bukavu, residents live in constant fear of becoming victims of crime, a situation that has worsened since the incursion of AFC/M23 rebel forces in mid-February
| [16] | Barchechat, O. (2006). The Prevention of Residential Burglaries: Some Lessons Drawn from a Comparative Approach. International Centre for the Prevention of Crime. |
[16]
. Before delving deeper into this issue, it is worth presenting an interview excerpt illustrating the fear expressed by Mr. Delta:
“The city of Bukavu is facing a worsening of living conditions, to the point where, as a popular saying goes, ‘dying seems easier than finding something to eat.’ By 6) 0 p.m., there’s a general rush among residents to return home and lock all doors, for fear of burglaries, gunshots, or acts of violence that occur frequently. Dead bodies abandoned in various parts of the city testify to the scale of insecurity. Every night, we go to bed with the anxiety of wondering who will be the next victim…”
This interview excerpt highlights a generalized fear among Bukavu’s residents. It is therefore relevant to associate this feeling of insecurity with what some researchers refer to as subjective insecurity, as opposed to objective insecurity. Unlike the latter which is based on real facts and data subjective insecurity depends on individual perception and may vary from one person to another.
2.3. Mob Justice
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” this is the Law of Talion, whose origins trace back to ancient texts such as the Code of Hammurabi. It implies inflicting harm for harm, or taking justice into one’s own hands, an approach that contradicts not only legal norms but also religious convictions.
Mob justice can take various forms. In Madagascar, for example, there exists a popular justice known as “Fokonolona,” which is actually regulated within Malagasy legal frameworks. For Rakotomavo (2015), the most common form, however, is that of street justice, which occurs when the population punishes someone it considers guilty.
According
| [17] | Boudreau, J.-A. & Kapo, T. (2010). Urban Security and the Global City: Some Perspectives from Montreal. Téoros. |
[17]
,
“mob justice is a phenomenon that gives rise to a violent spectacle, where judgment and punishment intertwine, all within a staging that leaves little chance for the accused to defend themselves or escape alive.” Gérard Cornu similarly defines it as
“the act of taking justice into one’s own hands.”In recent times, the practice of mob justice has become increasingly common in the city of Bukavu once a rare occurrence, it has now reached alarming levels. When individuals are apprehended by the public under suspicion of theft or other offenses, they are often lynched by the crowd rather than handed over to judicial authorities. This situation reflects a deep mistrust of the justice system and, more gravely, exposes the non-functionality of judicial authorities in a city of more than one million inhabitants.
Our observations indicate that many alleged thieves, rapists, and murderers are burned alive or lynched. Such was the case with two thieves caught looting shops at the
“Feu Rouge” intersection on the morning
| [18] | Clarke, R. (1997). Situational Crime Prevention: Successful Case Studies. Lynne Rienner Publishers. |
[18]
.
To reinforce this observation, Alpha shared the following account: “Not long ago, a member of the AFC/M23 forces was publicly whipped to death after being caught raping a 14-year-old girl in Bukavu’s Quartier Latin neighborhood.”
2.4. Murders
According
| [19] | Cusson, M. (2015). At the Heart of Criminology: Security and Insecurity Actors in Africa. International Centre for Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal. |
[19]
, murder is defined as
“an intentional act aimed at taking another person’s life, often motivated by personal conflicts or social imbalances.” In the city of Bukavu, murder cases have become increasingly frequent, as one respondent put it: “…Who would have thought that dying could become easier than finding food… in this city where we once lived peacefully, without so many cases of insecurity!”
Our field observations reveal a high number of deaths recorded in Bukavu between February and March
| [20] | Rouleau, R. Urban Insecurity: An Affliction That Paralyzes Women. Téoros. |
[20]
. Lifeless bodies have been found in various parts of the city, plunging residents into mourning and anxiety.
These acts constitute serious offenses involving deliberate intent to kill. One field actor stated: “We no longer understand what’s happening in this city. Recently, thieves broke into our neighbors’ house and shot a young woman who was about to get married. She died from her wounds after being taken to the hospital. These individuals didn’t stop there — they also shot her younger brother. Another similar incident occurred in Muhungu Lavoix, where a house was burgled and an elderly man was shot dead. It looks like revenge killings.”
This excerpt illustrates the gravity of murders committed in Bukavu, which seem to go beyond random violence. These crimes are often targeted, with some individuals using the situation to settle personal disputes. In the following etiological analysis, we will explore the underlying causes of these acts. It is also worth noting that murder becomes assassination when the offender acts with premeditation and deliberately carries out the act.
2.5. Organized Crime
The meaning conveyed by the term
organized crime can be distilled into a definition. It generally refers to a structured, hierarchical, and permanent association of professional offenders bound by strict rules and meticulously planning their operations. These criminals enrich themselves by meeting the demand for illicit goods or services in markets they monopolize through systematic use of violence (
Cusson, | [21] | Roché, S. (1993). The Feeling of Insecurity. Presses Universitaires de France. |
[21]
).
During February and March
| [22] | Paquin, S. (2007). The Feeling of Insecurity in Urban Public Spaces and the Personal Assessment of Risk Among Healthcare Workers. Nouvelles Pratiques Sociales. |
[22]
, the city of Bukavu became the stage for numerous acts of violence, including
lynchings of alleged criminals, murders, targeted assassinations, large-scale thefts, and rapes.Once considered relatively safe despite isolated criminal incidents, Bukavu is now confronted with a more severe form of criminality, notably that linked to organized crime. During this period, many innocent individuals became victims. The incursion of rebel forces into this densely populated city profoundly disrupted lives, increasing residents’ vulnerability and plunging them into constant fear of new crimes.
Vehicles became a primary target for the rebels. They invaded several properties in the city center, using military power and acts of brutality to seize vehicles which were then transported to Rwanda, illustrating a clear pattern of organized criminal activity.
One field informant reported: “Recently, we witnessed an unusual situation. Several M23 members came and forced us to hand over the keys to vehicles we were renting out to various NGOs. They left with ten vehicles. To our surprise, they later sent others to seize seven more vehicles, which they then drove toward a route leading to the Rwandan border.”
This testimony highlights planned and coordinated actions carried out through networks a hallmark of organized crime, particularly in vehicle theft. Alarmingly, a local pastor reported to the so-called rebel authorities that three vehicles belonging to one of his congregants were returned due to his ‘Christian connections’ with leaders of the group.
Many authors define organized crime as “any illegal activity conducted by groups or networks acting concertedly, using violence, corruption, or related means to obtain, directly or indirectly, financial or material gain.” Such activities may occur within a national context or extend to a transnational scale.
3. The Etiology of Crime in the City of Bukavu (Causes)
The etiology of crime refers to an approach focused primarily on identifying the underlying causes of criminal behavior. It seeks to understand the fundamental factors that lead individuals to commit crimes while exploring appropriate preventive and remedial solutions.
From this perspective, one may ask: What are the root causes of criminality in the city of Bukavu? Addressing this question allows for a deeper understanding of the triggers of crime in this particular context.
The causes of crime vary according to geographical and temporal contexts from one continent, country, or province to another and evolve over time with social, economic, political, and cultural transformations. According
| [23] | Rakotomavo, V. (2015). Vigilante Justice in Criminal Law. University of Antananarivo, Department of Law. |
[23]
, the diversity of criminal causes represents a major contradiction:
“If some crimes arise from poverty, there are almost as many that are favored by extreme wealth.”
This suggests that the causes of crime are not only diverse but also multiple.
Among the numerous factors contributing to the expansion of criminality and worsening insecurity in Bukavu, the following were identified:
1) The flight of central government officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by fear of possible clashes in the city center, has been accompanied by the withdrawal of police and army units. This abandonment exacerbates the feeling of insecurity and leaves Bukavu particularly vulnerable.
2) The incursion of a group identified as a “rebel movement” into Bukavu has destabilized the region and intensified insecurity.
3) The prolonged absence of local administrative officials has created an institutional vacuum, worsening governance dysfunctions and leaving populations vulnerable not only to security threats but also to socio-economic challenges.
4) The inoperability of judicial and penal institutions, marked by the closure of courts, the prosecutor’s office, and police stations, has severely weakened institutional capacity to maintain public order and deliver justice. This structural dysfunction aggravates both insecurity and the perception of impunity.
5) Prison breaks at Bukavu Central Prison and Munzenze Prison in Goma have revealed the fragility of the penitentiary system. The escape of numerous inmates has contributed to renewed criminal activity and heightened local insecurity, as some escapees reportedly infiltrated Bukavu.
6) The closure of banks in Bukavu has triggered an economic crisis, disrupting cash flow and creating fertile ground for opportunistic crimes amid widespread financial vulnerability.
7) The lack of adequate preparation by the Congolese government has hindered its ability to anticipate and respond effectively to security and social challenges, further exposing institutions and populations to emerging crises.
4. Recommendations
In light of the current situation, the following recommendations are proposed:
1) The Congolese government, through its political and administrative authorities, must focus on identifying and addressing real and priority issues. Rather than lingering over non-urgent matters often exploited for political gain to win the trust of a vulnerable population or to improve public image authorities should adopt a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach aimed at achieving long-term stability.
2) The government should establish effective mechanisms for social reintegration, complementing existing frameworks. These mechanisms should include the contribution of psycho-criminologists and other relevant professionals, who can actively support recidivism prevention and the rehabilitation of offenders back into society.
3) The Congolese government should intensify intelligence efforts, emphasizing the use of qualified and specialized experts, such as criminologists. This would enhance the efficiency of information collection and analysis, thereby improving both the prevention and proactive management of criminal acts.
4) The government should give greater priority to prevention, whether situational or social, rather than focusing solely on addressing the consequences of crime. In matters of security, a preventive approach is essential, for, as stated by the principle of security foresight, “the best way to combat a threat is to anticipate its occurrence.”
5) The Congolese government should ensure rigorous and comprehensive training for members of the army and police, to make them fully capable of addressing the security challenges in their areas of deployment. Such preparation is crucial for strengthening their efficiency and capacity to maintain order and safety in their zones of operation.
6) The government should also improve the living and working conditions of police and military personnel. This is essential to bolster their morale, commitment, and effectiveness in fulfilling their duties, particularly in this context of escalating security challenges.
5. Conclusion
The city of Bukavu is currently undergoing a profound security crisis, the causes of which are multiple and closely tied to an unstable sociopolitical context. Among the key triggers of this widespread insecurity are the active presence of armed groups identified as “rebels,” the abandonment of local security institutions notably the withdrawal of certain government members and police forces and the uncontrolled proliferation of weapons and ammunition within the urban space.
This has created a serious security vacuum, leaving the population at the mercy of armed groups and criminals, while fueling a pervasive climate of fear and distrust.
In response to this alarming rise in insecurity, efforts have been made by both law enforcement and civil society. Authorities have conducted sporadic security operations, and community-based safety initiatives often spontaneous have emerged across several neighborhoods. However, these efforts, though commendable, remain largely insufficient to contain a phenomenon that not only persists but tends to intensify in both frequency and violence. This highlights a clear mismatch between the resources deployed and the evolving nature of urban insecurity in Bukavu.
It is important to recognize that “zero crime” is an illusion, as aptly stated by Dr. Djibril Diop. Life in society, with its stratifications, inequalities, and tensions, inevitably generates forms of social transgression. However, this reality cannot justify the inaction or inefficiency of institutions tasked with ensuring citizens’ safety. It is therefore imperative to rethink the current security approach, by acting not only on the manifestations of insecurity but also on its root causes.
From this perspective, a sustainable response to urban insecurity in Bukavu should involve a comprehensive public policy focused on social prevention. This includes, among other measures, the creation of economic opportunities for young people, who are often trapped in precarious conditions and thus more vulnerable to criminality. Strengthening education, vocational training, and socioeconomic integration represents a fundamental lever in combating deviant behavior. Likewise, the implementation of reintegration and re-education programs, particularly for youth in conflict with the law, could help reduce recidivism and promote social cohesion.
Moreover, the effective management of insecurity requires greater coordination between state institutions, local communities, and civil society actors. Public authorities must adopt a collaborative, participatory, and pragmatic approach, engaging all sectors of society. The goal is to move beyond isolated repressive responses toward collective, integrated, and locally adapted solutions.
Finally, since the fight against insecurity is both costly and complex, the Congolese government must rethink its security financing mechanisms. This calls for an efficient mobilization of resources across multiple dimensions technological, strategic, institutional, and above all, human.
As Jean-Paul Brodeur, cited by Cusson, reminds us: “Security actors constitute the core of the system that regulates violence. When they are competent, well-trained, and equipped with appropriate means, they can contain disorder and prevent the escalation of violence.”
Therefore, it becomes crucial to invest heavily in the professionalization, continuous training, and motivation of security agents.
In conclusion, security in Bukavu cannot be sustainably restored without a strategic, integrated, and prevention-oriented vision. Rebuilding trust between the population and institutions, along with strengthening the rule of law, must remain at the heart of any public policy aimed at achieving long-term security and stability in the city.
Abbreviation
M23 | March 23 Movement |
CRA | Congo River Alliance |
NGO | Non-Governmental Organization |
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Cite This Article
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APA Style
Merci, S. K., Lebon, S. R. (2026). Rethinking the Etiology of Urban Insecurity in Bukavu:
A Criminological Perspective. International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 11(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11
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Merci, S. K.; Lebon, S. R. Rethinking the Etiology of Urban Insecurity in Bukavu:
A Criminological Perspective. Int. J. Psychol. Brain Sci. 2026, 11(1), 1-6. doi: 10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11
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Merci SK, Lebon SR. Rethinking the Etiology of Urban Insecurity in Bukavu:
A Criminological Perspective. Int J Psychol Brain Sci. 2026;11(1):1-6. doi: 10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11
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@article{10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11,
author = {Sanganiro Koko Merci and Safari Rwidegembya Lebon},
title = {Rethinking the Etiology of Urban Insecurity in Bukavu:
A Criminological Perspective},
journal = {International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {1-6},
doi = {10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijpbs.20261101.11},
abstract = {For several decades, the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has faced a continuous deterioration of the insecurity situation. In this context of persistent violence, the South Kivu province, and primarily its capital city, Bukavu, has not been spared. On the contrary, the latter is confronted with growing urban insecurity, characterized by an alarming frequency of criminal acts and serious offenses. This situation, far from being temporary, reflects a context of weakened governance, notably due to the presence of illegitimate authorities linked to the M23-AFC (Mouvement du 23 Mars/Allience Fleuve Congo) coalition. The lack of an adequate institutional response to this insecurity has reinforced a sense of abandonment and vulnerability among the local population already vulnerable due to the spike in urban violence or criminal activity. This article offers an analysis of the underlying causes of this unprecedented security crisis by examining the political, social, and institutional dynamics at play in the city of Bukavu. The study focuses on the various triggers of local insecurity, including residential burglary, the pervasive feeling of insecurity, organized crime, murder and the concerning phenomenon of vigilantism (popular or mob justice). The findings will allow us to formulate concrete recommendations and propose a partial guide for decision making bodies and the local improve the security situation and foster the emergence of a safer society.},
year = {2026}
}
Copy
|
Download
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Rethinking the Etiology of Urban Insecurity in Bukavu:
A Criminological Perspective
AU - Sanganiro Koko Merci
AU - Safari Rwidegembya Lebon
Y1 - 2026/03/27
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11
DO - 10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11
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JF - International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences
JO - International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences
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PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2575-1573
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijpbs.20261101.11
AB - For several decades, the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has faced a continuous deterioration of the insecurity situation. In this context of persistent violence, the South Kivu province, and primarily its capital city, Bukavu, has not been spared. On the contrary, the latter is confronted with growing urban insecurity, characterized by an alarming frequency of criminal acts and serious offenses. This situation, far from being temporary, reflects a context of weakened governance, notably due to the presence of illegitimate authorities linked to the M23-AFC (Mouvement du 23 Mars/Allience Fleuve Congo) coalition. The lack of an adequate institutional response to this insecurity has reinforced a sense of abandonment and vulnerability among the local population already vulnerable due to the spike in urban violence or criminal activity. This article offers an analysis of the underlying causes of this unprecedented security crisis by examining the political, social, and institutional dynamics at play in the city of Bukavu. The study focuses on the various triggers of local insecurity, including residential burglary, the pervasive feeling of insecurity, organized crime, murder and the concerning phenomenon of vigilantism (popular or mob justice). The findings will allow us to formulate concrete recommendations and propose a partial guide for decision making bodies and the local improve the security situation and foster the emergence of a safer society.
VL - 11
IS - 1
ER -
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