If the people of Congo-Brazzaville can be satisfied with the latest security operation launched in the capital by units of the General Directorate of Presidential Security (DGSP) commanded by Serge Oboa, several questions remain. Congo-Brazzaville, which boasts of being a country governed by the Rule of Law, blatantly tramples on its principles. Victor Hugo said: “Form is the substance which rises to the surface.” The operation omits many crucial aspects for the success of the mission to secure the populous neighborhoods of this small Central African oil nation.
Clearing-Out Approach
Fighting the “Koulouna” with ex-Cobras, even if they are DGSP members, is a sinecure.
“You want the wretched to be given aid; I want misery to be eliminated.” (Victor Hugo)
“The truly wretched are in the government and Parliament,” retort some critical minds. The National Education system must be rehabilitated to prevent crime.
Law is Opposed to Barbarism
In their stated desire to bring calm to urban areas where hordes of drug addicts enforce their own law, Serge Oboa’s men are conducting security operations. The victimized populations are calling for the law to be applied. Congo-Brazzaville must uphold civilization. General Serge Oboa is seen as providing security solutions. The sweeping operation led by General Serge Oboa aims to ensure security in the country. One does not fight barbarism by using barbaric methods. Law is opposed to barbarism.
In the management of public affairs, emotion has no place. Has a state of emergency been declared in Congo-Brazzaville? By what right does an elite army unit take it upon itself to carry out law enforcement duties, replacing the National Police? On what legitimacy is this operation based? From whom did General Serge Oboa receive his orders? Who will be held accountable for the slip-ups and excesses? What about paid denunciations? Where are the Minister of the Interior Raymond Zéphirin Mboulou, the Minister of Justice Wilfrid Biniga, and the Prosecutor André Oko Ngakala? General King Digne Obami Itou, whose appointment to succeed Jean-François Ndengué had been welcomed, has been replaced in the law enforcement mission. All forms of banditry, whether state-sponsored or urban, must be combated.