Dieudonné Makambo Takes the Helm as Police Commissioner in North Kivu
In a significant development for the security of the region, Deputy Police Commissioner Dieudonné Makambo Ngiba has been appointed as the provincial commissioner of the Congolese National Police in North Kivu. The announcement of his appointment was made on Friday, March 7, following a series of orders broadcast on the Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC).
Dieudonné Makambo Ngiba will be taking over from Deputy Police Commissioner Eddy Léonard Mukuna Ntumba in this crucial role. Amid a state of siege in the province, several military authorities had left the region just before the city of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, was captured by the M23 rebellion with the support of the Rwandan army.
Similar to the military governor appointed by Félix Tshisekedi, this new Police chief will be based in Beni, where a headquarters from Kinshasa has been established. Meanwhile, Goma and a significant portion of North Kivu remain under the control of the M23 rebellion, backed by the Rwandan army.
Dieudonné Makambo Ngiba will be working alongside Major-General Evariste Kakule Somo, the military governor of North Kivu. During the handover ceremony, the new governor announced the temporary relocation of the provincial capital from Goma to Beni. General Somo Evariste cited the occupation of Goma by M23 rebels supported by Rwanda as the reason for this move, expressing hope for the swift return of the provincial capital.
While these changes unfold in North Kivu, the M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda, is also in the process of establishing its authorities in the areas under its control. This behavior has been strongly condemned by Kinshasa, which accuses Kigali of promoting the Balkanization of North Kivu province.
With tensions running high and significant power shifts underway, the appointment of Dieudonné Makambo Ngiba as the provincial police commissioner in North Kivu marks a pivotal moment in the region’s security landscape. As he steps into this role, all eyes will be on him to navigate the complex dynamics and ensure the safety and stability of the region.
Expert Insights on the Appointment
To gain a deeper understanding of the implications of Dieudonné Makambo’s appointment, we turned to security analyst and expert, Dr. Jeanne Lutula. According to Dr. Lutula, “The appointment of Dieudonné Makambo Ngiba comes at a critical juncture for North Kivu, amidst ongoing security challenges and power struggles. His experience and leadership will be crucial in maintaining law and order in the region, especially in the face of rebel threats.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As Dieudonné Makambo assumes his new role, he will be tasked with addressing a myriad of challenges, from rebel incursions to internal security threats. However, this appointment also presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his strategic acumen and ability to foster collaboration among various stakeholders for the greater good of North Kivu.
In conclusion, Dieudonné Makambo’s appointment as the provincial police commissioner in North Kivu signifies a turning point in the region’s security landscape. With his leadership and expertise, he has the potential to steer the province towards a more stable and secure future, despite the complex dynamics at play. As the region continues to grapple with security concerns, his role will be instrumental in safeguarding the well-being of its residents and restoring peace and order in North Kivu.