Street children in Kinshasa: a worrying reality
In the streets of Kinshasa, the presence of street children, known as “Shegués”, is causing growing concern among the population. These young offenders, aged between 10 and 14, operate in groups, often around busy streets, department stores and bus stops. Their modus operandi consists of soliciting alms from motorists when traffic is stopped, or committing thefts of smartphones and other valuables.
Recently, a violent phone theft sparked a frantic hunt for the Shegués by the population. After an intense chase, the children were finally captured and handed over to law enforcement authorities. This situation highlights an alarming reality: the worrying presence of the Shegués in downtown Kinshasa.
Beyond acts of delinquency, these children live in extremely precarious conditions. They find refuge in the sewers of the Boulevard du 30 juin, where they hide and protect themselves from the sight of the authorities. The Shegués face many dangers, including disease, malnutrition and sexual exploitation.
It is urgent to find solutions to prevent the rise of this phenomenon. Concerted action between the authorities, civil society and child protection organizations is needed to offer the Shegués alternatives to the streets. Social reintegration programmes, reception centers and education and training initiatives are essential to offer them a better future.
It is also essential to raise public awareness of the situation of street children, in order to promote solidarity and empathy towards these young people in difficulty. Fighting against the exploitation of the Shegués and offering them future prospects is a crucial issue for the city of Kinshasa.
In conclusion, the presence of street children in Kinshasa represents an urgent challenge to be met. It is essential to put in place concrete measures to help them and prevent their marginalization. With the mobilization of all the actors concerned, it is possible to offer a chance to the Shegués to reintegrate into society and build a better future