The unrest had reached its peak in the busy streets of Kinshasa on that day of September 30. Indeed, the head of the city’s Provincial Transport Division, Adrienne Iseka, took a decision followed by action by urgently calling a crucial meeting with representatives of the motorcycle taxi drivers, commonly known as Wewas.
The reasons for this urgent meeting were the recent demonstrations orchestrated by these motorcyclists, who expressed their discontent with the incessant harassment suffered by the police and transport authorities. The legitimate demands of the Wewas echoed a deep malaise that reigned within this community of road workers.
The meeting, which was held with a high degree of tension, brought together the heads of several associations of motorcycle taxi drivers, the legal advisor to the provincial Minister of Transport, as well as other key stakeholders. The stakes were high: it was a question of finding concrete solutions to ease tensions and prevent an escalation of the crisis.
Motorcycle taxi users in the Congolese capital woke up that morning in a climate of revolt and solidarity. The Wewas chose not to take to the road, as a sign of protest against the multiple obstacles encountered daily. The threat loomed over the proper functioning of transport in the city, highlighting the strategic importance of this often underestimated profession.
In short, this emergency meeting recalls the need for constructive dialogue between the responsible authorities, motorcycle taxi drivers and citizen users. Faced with major social and economic challenges, it is imperative to find sustainable and equitable solutions to guarantee the proper functioning of the transport sector in Kinshasa.