On June 3, 2024, Matadi, the capital of Kongo-Central province, found itself plunged into an unusual tumult as taxi drivers declared a day without public transport service. The reason for this strike movement: a tariff demand justified by the recent increase in the price of fuel at the pump. In fact, drivers are demanding an increase in the price of transport from 600 to 1000 FC to be able to cover the costs generated by this increase. Furthermore, they also denounce the recurring police harassment that they experience on a daily basis.
At the heart of this legitimate protest lies an alarming observation: taxi drivers, essential players in urban mobility, find themselves trapped in a relentless economic spiral. The surge in fuel prices directly impacts their activity, forcing them to review their pricing to maintain minimal financial viability. In a context where operating costs continue to increase, it becomes imperative for these road workers to make their voices heard and demand working conditions worthy of the name.
However, the taxi drivers’ strike in Matadi is not just about pricing. Indeed, beyond economic considerations, it highlights a crucial issue: that of respect for road workers. The police harassment mentioned by the drivers highlights a climate of tension and insecurity which hinders their professional activity and impacts their quality of life. In this sense, the strike appears to be a legitimate means for these workers to claim their right to exercise their profession in decent conditions and without unjustified obstacles.
Faced with this protest movement, the town of Matadi found itself divided between supporters of the strike and those who chose to continue working. This situation reflects the diversity of the individual situations of taxi drivers, each being faced with economic and family imperatives which influence their decision to participate or not in the strike movement. Nevertheless, the unity of drivers around common demands shows solidarity and a determination to assert their rights in the face of shared challenges.
In conclusion, the taxi drivers’ strike in Matadi reveals the tensions and injustices these road workers face on a daily basis. Beyond the pricing issue, it is the dignity and respect of these essential players in urban mobility that are at stake. By mobilizing to make their voices heard, taxi drivers are affirming their desire to defend their rights and to fight for fair and equitable working conditions. It is now up to the stakeholders concerned, public authorities, and civil society to find lasting solutions to respond to the legitimate demands of these essential workers for the proper functioning of the city of Matadi.