### Kinshasa and the fight against anarchic occupations: an emergency to consider
On April 11, 2025, a press release from the Ministry of Town Planning and Habitat underlined the powers of the town planning police to combat anarchic occupations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This declaration, which recalls the competent governors and heads of services the importance of regulatory measures, raises several questions on the complexity of the urban issues of Kinshasa, as well as on the challenges encountered in the implementation of such policies.
### A fragile urban context
Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, is faced with a situation where demographic pressure and rapid urbanization meet often inadequate infrastructure. The City, which houses more than 12 million inhabitants, has very informal development, with many suburbans occupying land without legal authorization. This construction dynamic, sometimes perceived as an attempt to find refuge or to improve living conditions, raises the question of the very nature of the city rights.
The circular note of the ministry recalls that any land use must comply with an approved development plan, and recalls the importance of a building permit. These measures aim to establish a legal framework which could not only regulate urban space, but also promote sustainable development. However, the challenge lies in the ability of the administration to enforce these rules in an environment often characterized by economic and social inequalities.
### The measures proposed: a balance to find
The measures recommended in the press release, such as the prohibition of unauthorized subdivisions, the rejection of non -compliant requests and the expulsion of the illegal occupants, raise ethical and practical issues. If their application can contribute to a better organization of the urban space, they could also create a climate of anxiety among vulnerable populations who often have no choice but to settle on inappropriate terrains. The expulsion of the illegal occupants, for example, requires a deep reflection on the alternatives offered to these families and on the possibility of including these populations in a process of participatory urban planning.
In addition, the establishment of sanctions, whether administrative, tax or criminal, could lead to increased tension between the authorities and the population. In this delicate context, communication and awareness around the importance of these regulations become essential. How can those responsible ensure that laws are perceived as protection tools rather than repression instruments?
### The role of the community and local actors
One of the crucial aspects of this situation is the role of local communities and actors of civil society. Their involvement can play a key role in the effective implementation of town planning measures and in the awareness of citizens on the challenges of urban development. By integrating the votes of the inhabitants into the decision -making process, the authorities could better understand the expectations and needs of the populations, while strengthening a feeling of collective responsibility.
Initiatives to build social housing and rehabilitate urban areas can also be interesting tracks to explore. However, they often require considerable investment and strong political will, as well as a solid partnership framework between the public, private and associative sectors.
### Final reflections
The challenge of the management of anarchic occupations in Kinshasa challenges beyond administrative issues. It questions our way of considering the right to the city, not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right which must be respected within the framework of an inclusive and lasting town planning. The implementation of effective measures against anarchic occupations deserves a pragmatic and human approach, where respect for individual and collective rights takes on its full meaning.
It is essential that the authorities take the time to establish a constructive dialogue with the inhabitants, in order to co-construct balanced and sustainable solutions. This could open the way to a more harmonious city, where each inhabitant would feel fully taken into account in decisions that affect their immediate environment. It is an opportunity not only to improve the quality of life, but also to build a more just and united society.