The issue of electricity theft and clandestine connections was discussed at a meeting of the provincial security committee in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental province, on October 6, 2026. The meeting, chaired by Governor Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo, brought together officials from the Société nationale d'électricité (SNEL) and Enerka, a power distribution company. They reviewed the state of their respective networks and identified the main causes of recent disruptions.
According to SNEL officials, the main issue is the phenomenon of pirating electrical lines and clandestine connections, which disrupts the network's functioning and affects the quality of electricity supply. Enerka, on the other hand, cited the age of certain power cables and damage to a main cable during roadwork as contributing factors. The situation has led to a significant impact on the daily lives of residents in Mbuji-Mayi.
Thanks to the support of provincial authorities and the mobilization of concerned services, interventions have allowed for the gradual restoration of electricity supply to a large part of Mbuji-Mayi. However, the issue of fraudulent connections remains a major challenge. To address this, Governor Mbwebwa has instructed security services, including the Police nationale congolaise and the Agence nationale de renseignement (ANR), to set up a commission to identify and track down those responsible for these acts.
The provincial committee also evaluated the overall security situation in the province, which was described as generally calm, with normal administrative and agricultural activities continuing across the province. However, some cases of banditry were reported in specific areas, prompting the governor to instruct the mayor to take necessary measures to enhance security in these zones.
Governor Mbwebwa reaffirmed his commitment to providing concrete responses to the concerns of the population, both in terms of security and access to electricity. The issue of electricity supply is critical in the province, and authorities are working to ensure a stable and reliable service. The provincial government is taking steps to address the challenges facing the sector.
The situation in Kasaï-Oriental highlights the challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in providing reliable electricity to its population. The issue of fraudulent connections and vandalism is a significant one, and authorities will need to work together to address it. The provincial government's efforts to enhance security and restore electricity supply are ongoing.
Key points
- Authorities in Kasaï-Oriental are working to address the issue of fraudulent electricity connections and vandalism, which have disrupted the power grid in the region.
- The provincial government has set up a commission to identify and track down those responsible for the fraudulent connections and other acts of vandalism.
- The situation in Kasaï-Oriental highlights the challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in providing reliable electricity to its population.
