Suppression of an Irregular FARDC Checkpoint in Kazumba
In a significant development in the town of Kazumba, Kasaï Central, an irregular checkpoint operated by the armed forces has been dismantled following the request of a provincial deputy. The territorial administrator of Kazumba, Jean Roger Tshitenge, took action during his visit to the Tshitadi area, specifically in the locality of Tshijiba, located 240 kilometers southwest of Kananga, the provincial capital.
The local notables have confirmed the removal of this checkpoint and expressed their gratitude towards provincial deputy Pierre Sosthène Kambidi, who raised awareness about the checkpoint’s existence to the provincial authorities. According to a notable from Tshijiba who preferred to remain anonymous due to fears of reprisals from the military, “This checkpoint has been in place for several years. Users were burdened with fees ranging from 2000 to 5000 Congolese Francs each time they passed through. We thank Deputy Kambidi for speaking up, leading to the removal of this checkpoint.”
Deputy Kambidi’s Advocacy and Actions
In one of his speeches at the provincial assembly, Deputy Pierre Sosthène Kambidi had highlighted the proliferation of checkpoints in his electoral district of Kazumba. He specifically pointed out the checkpoint operated by the military in the village of Tshijiba, in the Bena Nkuba groupement, which was contributing to the rise in food prices in Kananga. The military personnel were reportedly extorting money from cyclists transporting goods to the city, leading to complaints from local businesses.
Deputy Kambidi’s efforts to address this issue culminated in his engagement with the provincial governor, urging the removal of the checkpoint. His advocacy has played a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden on the local population and facilitating the free movement of goods in the region.
Impact on the Community and Economic Activities
The removal of the irregular checkpoint in Tshijiba marks a significant victory for the residents of Kazumba and the surrounding areas. The elimination of illegal fees imposed by the military at the checkpoint will undoubtedly ease the financial strain on the local population and contribute to a more conducive environment for economic activities.
The actions taken by Deputy Pierre Sosthène Kambidi serve as a testament to the power of proactive governance and citizen engagement in addressing social injustices and promoting economic development. By amplifying the voices of the community and advocating for their rights, Deputy Kambidi has demonstrated his commitment to serving the interests of the people of Kazumba and upholding democratic values.
As we celebrate this victory for transparency and accountability in governance, let us also reflect on the importance of civic participation in shaping a more just and equitable society. The removal of the checkpoint in Tshijiba serves as a reminder that collective action and political will can bring about positive change and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Together, we can continue to hold our elected representatives accountable and work towards building a more inclusive and responsive government that prioritizes the needs of the people. Let us draw inspiration from Deputy Kambidi’s example and strive to create a better future for all members of our community.