Readying for Ransoms: The potential for high-profile kidnappings in the DRC

March 2017 saw two brazen kidnappings involving foreign nationals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a step change from previous kidnapping trends in the country. Historically, kidnap for ransom has been concentrated in conflict-ridden areas in the east of the country, and largely targeted local nationals. While criminally-motivated kidnappings targeting civilian communities in the North and South Kivu provinces are still on the rise, the recent targeting of foreign mine workers in Maniema Province, as well as the kidnapping of UN personnel in Kasaï Central, is the latest evidence that perpetrators are becoming bolder in their attacks. Now, with the DRC beleaguered by an ongoing political crisis, it is likely that kidnap for ransom will become a heightened security concern for commercial operators in the country.

Kidnap for ransom targeting local communities has increased in recent years. Locals report near weekly abductions by perpetrators demanding ransoms upward of USD 1,500, with some demands exceeding USD 20,000. The abductions have generally been short in duration, with few lasting longer than a week. However, the latest kidnappings targeting foreign nationals within the commercial and international humanitarian sphere demonstrate an increasing threat.

The ongoing political crisis, specifically the failure of the current administration to organise presidential elections, has detracted from efforts aimed at addressing insecurity outside of Kinshasa. The political and security outlook for the country remains poor. The protracted conflict in the east of the country has given rise to multiple armed groups. These transcend a rebel and criminal identity, and are eager to bolster their own operations, and revenues, amid worsening political uncertainty in the DRC. Meanwhile, there has been an increase in violence in Kasaï Central in the second half of 2016 and early 2017, where military and militia forces are engaged in ongoing fighting following the death of a local customary chief. This has led to a rapid deterioration in the operating environment, giving rise to opportunistic criminal groups. With political and military leaders distracted by developments in Kinshasa, the ill-equipped, and often disloyal, military has been left to combat the rising kidnap threat alone.

Should kidnappings continue to be lucrative for the perpetrators, and prosecution rates remain low – which is highly likely in the absence of effective policing – this will serve as encouragement for further attacks in the country.