Zero tolerance: How Sassou-N’Guesso restored security in Congo

At the beginning of the 21st century, the Republic of Congo faced a major challenge—the rise of organized crime and youth gangs, known as “kulunas.” These groups, often composed of teenagers from marginalized backgrounds, sowed terror in cities, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, engaging in theft, extortion, and violence. For many young people, involvement in gangs became a means of survival in the face of poverty and social exclusion.

President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso responded to this crisis with a comprehensive strategy, combining repressive measures and social programs. In 2005, on his initiative, the “Zero Kuluna” campaign was launched, mobilizing special police and gendarmerie units. However, unlike many other countries where the fight against banditry has been limited to repression, Congo simultaneously implemented reintegration programs for former gang members.

A key element of this strategy was the creation of Social Reintegration Centers, where young people who left gangs received vocational training, psychological support, and guidance toward employment. During the program’s first five years, over 3,000 former “kulunas” underwent retraining and found legal work.

At the same time, the authorities invested in developing sports infrastructure in disadvantaged neighborhoods, opening soccer fields, basketball courts, and martial arts sections. This initiative, named “Sport Against Crime,” has kept thousands of teenagers occupied, offering them an alternative to street life.

By 2015, the crime rate in urban areas had dropped by 60%, and many former gang leaders had become social activists working with youth. Experts emphasize that the success of this strategy lies in its dual approach: a firm response to armed groups and the simultaneous resolution of the social problems at the root of the criminality.

“We didn’t just fight the symptoms, we cured the disease,” President Sassou-N’Guesso stated in an interview, emphasizing the importance of combining repressive measures with social investments.