KINSHASA — Former members of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kuluna gangs, now serving in a paramilitary National Service force, are clearing storm drains in Kinshasa, the capital city of 17 million people. While praised for improving sanitation, these recruits face accusations of beating and abusing citizens.
Approximately 50 of these "builders," as they are known, were at work near Victory Roundabout on Sept. 1. They appeared on the streets in June, clad in blue overalls and yellow boots, tasked with preparing the city's infrastructure ahead of the impending rainy season.
Kinshasa has long grappled with widespread insecurity and poor sanitation, with rubbish frequently dumped in streets, drains and rivers. The city lacks sufficient public bins.
President Felix Tshisekedi decided in May to enlist the National Service to address these challenges. The military-run structure, established in 1997 and operating under the authority of the presidency, aims to reintegrate the Kulunas—youth gangs that have terrorized Kinshasa residents—through "military, technical and civic" training.
Local residents have praised the immediate impact of the cleaning efforts. Richard Edambe, who lives near Victory Roundabout, said the city has become clean. Kevin Mwembwe, another resident, said people are now afraid to discard rubbish when the builders are present.
Motorcycle taxi driver Auguy Bayaya described Victory Roundabout as "very dirty" before the builders arrived, citing plastic bags and blocked drains. Bayaya said the builders "restored discipline" to the area.
Despite the positive feedback on sanitation, the National Service's discipline has extended to heavy-handed enforcement. In the Bandalungwa neighbourhood, an Agence France-Presse correspondent witnessed builders stop a passer-by who crossed a cleaned road and order him to sweep. When the individual refused, he was struck several times with sticks.
Videos purportedly showing similar abuses by the paramilitaries have circulated widely on social media in recent weeks. The crews have also targeted illegal street markets, driving vendors from public spaces and confiscating their goods.
However, these markets often quickly resurface away from main thoroughfares. Eric Ndilu, an environmental specialist in urban sanitation management, said communities tend to "return to its old habits" as soon as the builders depart. Ndilu added that the community "does not understand the importance of the actions being carried out."
