Kinshasa paralyzed by opposition’s ‘ghost town’ protest against constitutional change
- Politique
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo’s bustling capital, ground to a near halt this morning as opposition parties called for a ‘ghost town’ protest to reject President Félix Tshisekedi’s constitutional amendment bid. The protest, which began before dawn, has significantly disrupted daily life, with reduced taxi services, closed businesses, and empty streets typically clogged with schoolchildren and commuters.
Protest impact across Kinshasa
The opposition’s call for a ‘ville morte’ (ghost town) protest against the constitutional amendment has brought several districts in Kinshasa to a standstill. The protest, which began early this morning, has led to empty streets, reduced public transportation, and closed businesses across multiple communes.
Empty corridors of learning
In the Mont-Amba district, typically teeming with university students by 7:50 AM, the roads near the University of Kinshasa were eerily empty. Police presence was notably increased, with dozens of officers stationed along the route. Public transport stops stood vacant, and gas stations hesitated to open, with Salongo station among those remaining closed.
Military and police reinforcements
Military vehicles were spotted patrolling the Bypass avenue, while the usually congested Ngaba roundabout remained nearly deserted until 8:00 AM. In Limete, another busy district known for heavy traffic on Lumumba and Poids lourds boulevards, residents reported minimal activity. Only a single bus operated until 7:00 AM, connecting the city center, while vehicle owners opted to keep their cars off the streets to avoid potential disturbances.
The heightened security presence was evident throughout Limete, particularly at the first street, where numerous police officers were deployed to maintain order. The protest’s impact underscores the deep divisions in Congolese society regarding the constitutional amendment proposal.