The Kulunas in the DRC: a growing threat
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the term "kuluna" refers to young individuals organized into criminal gangs that have become a source of terror in urban areas. Armed mostly with machetes and other sharp weapons, these gangs are notorious for theft, physical assaults, sexual violence, and brutal rivalries that often lead to public unrest. Recent government crackdowns, including the highly publicized Operation "Hameçon", have escalated efforts to address this crisis, but the methods employed have drawn significant criticism.