In the lively commune of Kisenso, located in the vibrant city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a lively controversy is currently shaking minds following the controversial statements of Mayor Godet Atswel Muntungi. Indeed, the latter is said to have sparked indignation by announcing the establishment of a mandatory residence permit for any individual not originally from Kisenso wishing to stay there temporarily.
This statement, widely relayed on social networks, triggered a wave of criticism and condemnation against the head of the Kisenso communal executive. Faced with this outcry, the mayor deemed it necessary to clarify his position by publishing an official press release intended for the public as well as the district heads of the region.
In this press release, the mayor specified that the idea of the residence permit was only a pending project not yet debated within the Municipal Council. He also stressed that the district chiefs were required to provide him with daily reports on population movements in the commune.
However, despite this attempt at clarification, the proposal for a residence permit raised questions about the legitimacy of such measures, particularly with regard to the free movement and settlement of Congolese citizens throughout the national territory.
Lawyers also took part in the debate, stressing the absence of a legal basis allowing the mayor to establish such a system. It is worth recalling Article 30 of the Congolese Constitution guaranteeing the right to free movement and residence on the national territory for any person on Congolese soil.
Faced with these criticisms and reservations, Mayor Godet Atswel had to clarify that the proposal for a residence permit was only a suggestion and not a formal decision. This controversy is part of a broader context of the fight against banditry and criminal phenomena in the commune of Kisenso, which had already been the scene of heated debates in the past.
Ultimately, it is essential to emphasize that no concrete decision has been taken regarding the establishment of a residence permit in Kisenso. This controversy highlights the delicate issue of security and citizens’ rights in an urban environment plagued by various problems.