**Fatshimetrie: Kinshasa taxi drivers protest police harassment**
On Monday, July 29, 2024, the city of Kinshasa is experiencing a major disruption in its public transport. Indeed, taxi and taxi-bus drivers have decided to no longer drive on the main arteries of the capital in protest against the harassment they claim to be victims of by the police.
For some time now, public transport drivers have been reporting cases of extortion and harassment by police officers. The latter are said to demand bribes or impose unjustified fines on drivers, thus creating a climate of tension and insecurity on the roads of Kinshasa.
This situation has resulted in the complete shutdown of the taxi-bus and taxi service in the Congolese capital. Bus stops are invaded by columns of pedestrians waiting for transport, creating traffic jams and major disruptions to traffic.
In addition, taxi drivers have also been singled out for illegally and exorbitantly increasing the price of rides. Some are said to be charging up to four times the official fare, which is negatively impacting the purchasing power of Kinshasa residents.
Faced with this crisis situation, the Congolese Transport Company (Transco), usually called upon to compensate for public transport malfunctions, seems to be absent from the capital’s roads. Users are thus faced with travel and accessibility difficulties, compromising their daily lives and activities.
It is crucial that the competent authorities take rapid and effective measures to resolve this conflict between taxi drivers and law enforcement. The fluidity of public transport is essential for the functioning of the city and the well-being of its residents. In the meantime, Kinshasa residents must show patience and solidarity to overcome this difficult period.