Title: The Shegués in Kinshasa: A persistent problem that requires a comprehensive approach
Introduction :
The presence of street children, commonly known as “Shegués”, in the streets of Kinshasa is a recurring problem that raises many concerns. These young people in vulnerable situations live in difficult conditions, often facing violence, poverty and exploitation. Unfortunately, their massive presence in the main areas of the city continues to make residents insecure and poses challenges in terms of security and urban development. In this article, we will take a closer look at the situation of the Shegués in Kinshasa and the actions needed to resolve this problem.
The hunt for the Shegués in Kinshasa:
Recently, an incident brought to light the presence of the Shegués in the Congolese capital. A young delinquent committed a violent theft by stealing a passer-by’s phone before taking refuge in the sewers of Boulevard du 30 juin. The population mobilized to hunt down the culprits and, after an intense hunt, the thief and eight of his accomplices were captured. Unfortunately, these events have also led to acts of lynching by the population, which underlines the urgent need to find lasting solutions to resolve the issue of the Shegués in Kinshasa.
The challenges posed by the Shegués:
The presence of the Shegués in Kinshasa poses many challenges both for the authorities and for society as a whole. First, there is the security challenge. The Shegués are often involved in acts of theft, assault and exploitation. Their presence is detrimental to the safety of residents, especially women and girls. Moreover, these children face precarious living conditions, without access to education, health care and a stable environment. They are often victims of exploitation and abuse.
Actions needed to solve the Shegués problem:
To solve the problem of the Shegués in Kinshasa, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach. First, it is necessary to strengthen security in the affected neighborhoods by deploying more police officers and establishing regular patrols. However, it is not only a question of repressing the criminal activities of the Shegués, but also of offering them alternative solutions.
It is crucial to set up socio-educational programs for the Shegués, offering them the possibility of accessing education and developing professional skills. This would allow them to reintegrate into society and get out of the circle of delinquency.. In addition, it is important to work closely with local organizations, NGOs and associations to offer psychological and social support to the Shegués, in order to help them rebuild their lives in a positive way.
Conclusion :
The presence of the Shegués in Kinshasa is a complex problem that requires a global approach. It is imperative to strengthen security, to offer alternative solutions to young people in street situations and to work in collaboration with local actors to solve this problem. By acting proactively and implementing concrete measures, it is possible to transform the reality of the Shegués and offer them a better future