Traffic in Kinshasa was severely disrupted on Monday due to a strike by taxi drivers. Public transport is almost non-existent in many areas of the Congolese capital. According to information collected by Fatshimetrie, this strike was called in reaction to controls carried out by the city’s urban transport division on the official transport tariff and routes, in particular “half-courts”.
The president of the Association of Congo Drivers (ACCO), Jean Mutombo, explained that the drivers are protesting against the fact that some of them refuse to respect the official tariff imposed by the authorities. The controls carried out by the urban transport division aim to guarantee healthy competition and avoid fare abuse. However, this initiative angered many drivers, leading to this strike which directly impacts the local population.
In the streets of Kinshasa, buses and taxis are rare, leaving users in embarrassment. Crowds formed at stopping points, looking for an alternative way to get to their destination. The tension is palpable, particularly at Rond-point Ngaba, where the wait becomes longer and longer and chaotic. Motorcycle taxis are trying to meet demand, but even they are under threat, with some drivers siding with the strikers.
Beyond the difficulties encountered by public transport users, this strike highlights a broader problem concerning the transport system in Kinshasa. The question of respecting official rates and established rules is crucial to ensure quality and fair service for all. Local authorities must find solutions to effectively regulate this sector and avoid recurring disruptions that weigh on the daily lives of citizens.
Until discussions between taxi drivers and authorities reach a resolution, Kinshasa residents must be patient and find alternative ways to get around the city. This strike highlights the importance of adequate and transparent management of public transport, in order to guarantee the mobility and well-being of all citizens of Kinshasa.