Fatimetrie, October 10, 2024 (Fatshimetrie) – At the heart of the news in Masina, in the city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the “Indu” market is the scene of a worrying dispossession. The market administrator, Élisée Mwadi, is sounding the alarm over the illegal occupation of part of the land by unidentified individuals. The latter have even issued an ultimatum demanding the abandonment of the space for their construction projects.
This land conflict is unfortunately not new, having already provoked reactions from the authorities in the past. The interventions of successive governors, notably André Kimbuta and Vice-Governor Gekoko, have not been enough to resolve the issue in a lasting way. Faced with this new threat, Élisée Mwadi announces an upcoming mobilization to defend the rights of the traders of the Indu market and demand a lasting solution to this conflict.
This situation in Masina reflects a broader reality in Kinshasa, where public spaces are regularly dispossessed, fueling land disputes and weakening the social fabric. In addition to the Indu market, the Kingasani neighborhood in the Kimbanseke commune is also facing dispossession of its neighborhood office. Residents of this area have denounced this illegal appropriation, calling on municipal councilors to intervene and restore legality.
These events highlight the need for concerted action to preserve public property and protect the interests of local populations. Citizen mobilization and recourse to judicial authorities appear to be essential levers to combat dispossession practices and ensure respect for the rights of Kinshasa residents.
Ultimately, the defense of public spaces and the fight against land dispossession are crucial issues for the preservation of the urban environment and the well-being of communities. In the face of threats to the Indu market and the Kingasani neighborhood, it is urgent to strengthen mechanisms for protecting the public domain and to promote transparent and equitable management of land resources. Only collective and determined action will preserve the integrity of Kinshasa’s neighborhoods and ensure harmonious development for the benefit of all.