Despite the challenges, the Operations Coordination Center (CCO) remains a hub for protection in Bunia, symbolizing cooperation between national institutions and international support.
The inauguration of the Operations Coordination Center (CCO) of the Congolese National Police (PNC) on December 13, 2023, marked a major turning point in the fight against insecurity in Bunia. Built and partially equipped by MONUSCO, this strategic facility continues, two years later, to play a central role in securing the city.
According to Major Jean-Claude Mukendi Lupata, head of the center, its establishment responded to an urgent necessity: "To meet the security needs of the population." At the time, Bunia was facing numerous cases of rape, murder, armed robbery, and other burglaries: "We heard gunshots almost every day," he recalls.
Operational 24 Hours a Day
Located in the Lumumba neighborhood, in the Mbunya commune, the CCO includes two offices, an operations room, and an archive room. MONUSCO installed twelve telephone lines and provided computer equipment. The provincial government completed the equipment with forty-three surveillance cameras, two jeeps, and fuel for patrols.
The center operates continuously and receives nearly 800 calls per day, thanks to the daily mobilization of approximately 186 people, including patrol teams and call center receptionists. The emergency number is: 081 105 00 13. "Each call is recorded and analyzed. If intervention is necessary, we send the nearest unit to assist the population," explains Major Mukendi.
A resident of the Bankoko neighborhood testifies: "Bandits attacked our house at night. We called the emergency number and the police arrived very quickly. On several occasions, we have been protected thanks to their intervention."
MONUSCO support and police professionalization
Bunia is a city of nearly two million inhabitants, caught between the territories of Irumu and Djugu, where armed groups remain active. For Major Mukendi, MONUSCO's support, through UNPOL, has played a decisive role. The Operational Strategy to Combat Insecurity in Bunia (SOLIBU) enabled the establishment of the Center and capacity building through logistical support and specialized training: police investigations, crime scene management, public order maintenance, children's rights, and first aid.
This training has allowed the police "to change their working methods" and become "more professional and more respectful of human rights." The Major also highlights another achievement: "Thanks to the CCO, we can monitor the behavior of our officers through surveillance videos, which limits misconduct."
General Seguin Sengelwa Kyo, PNC commander in Ituri, confirms this evolution: "Bunia is now secured 24 hours a day by video. Interventions are faster and save lives. Zero insecurity does not exist, but the city breathes easier than it did two years ago."
Real challenges but positive momentum
The CCO faces several challenges: lack of vehicles, degraded roads in some neighborhoods, telephone network difficulties, or absence of clearly identified streets. In June and July 2025, a series of deadly attacks also struck the city.
In response, joint MONUSCO-FARDC-PNC patrols have been reinforced and a special army unit, "Tigre," has been deployed. Those involved have since been arrested and are being prosecuted. General Sengelwa now invites the population to "collaborate more with security forces and distance themselves from armed groups." Despite the obstacles, the CCO remains a pivot of protection in Bunia, a symbol of cooperation between national institutions and international support.