### Strike of Congolese workers in Kinshasa: context and challenges of respect for the Smig
On May 19, 2025, Congolese workers in Indo-Pakistani stores in Kinshasa decided to start a strike to claim respect for the guaranteed interprofessional wage (SMIG). This situation highlights not only the pressing working conditions encountered by these employees, but it also raises questions on the implementation of labor laws in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
#### A claim for worthy working conditions
The strikers, represented by spokespersons such as Moïse Kokongo and Kasongo Ndjibu, highlighted daily wages insufficient, set at only ten US dollars for some and five dollars for others. The SMIG, which must guarantee a vital minimum for workers, seems to be respected, which leads to difficult living conditions for these employees. The strikers’ declarations highlight an imbalance between the promises of employers and the reality of the wages received, thus raising the question of the effective application of laws in matters of work.
The strike, which led to the closure of several stores on strategic avenues of Gombe, testifies to the growing exasperation of employees in the face of a situation which they deem untenable. This type of social movement is not a first in the DRC, where workers regularly express their frustrations through strikes, often motivated by similar complaints concerning the respect of workers’ rights.
### The challenges of the application of labor laws in the DRC
The failure observed in the application of the SMIG raises questions about the ability of Congolese institutions to ensure workers’ rights. The tripartite commission for monitoring the SMIG application, set up in October 2024, aimed to protect the purchasing power of households and guarantee equity at work. However, so far, the results of his efforts seem limited, as evidenced by the current situation.
It is also important to consider the role of employers in this dynamic. Indo-Pakistani stores, while representing an important part of the local economy, seem to face structural challenges that could explain why they cannot comply with legal requirements. These challenges include economic pressure, competition on prices and operational costs. This context could lead to questioning not only the responsibility of employers, but also the support that the State provides to small and medium -sized enterprises in their obligation to pay their employees correctly.
#### Towards a constructive dialogue
The current strike could be a starting point for a broader dialogue between workers, employers and government representatives. Solutions involving the implementation of more severe control and monitoring mechanisms could be envisaged to guarantee compliance with labor laws. This could also require increased awareness of employers on the importance of respecting workers’ rights, not only for the well-being of employees, but also for the sustainability of their activities.
In parallel, it would be relevant that key actors, including unions, contribute to the education of workers on their rights, encouraging them to organize themselves and not to be afraid to claim what they are entitled to.
The situation in Kinshasa is not isolated: the question of respecting workers’ rights affects many countries around the world, where millions of people are fighting for decent working conditions. Lessons learned from these struggles can provide tracks for the DRC.
#### Conclusion
The Congolese workers ‘movement in Kinshasa highlights essential concerns about respecting workers’ rights and the application of labor laws. This strike should encourage an in -depth examination of the structures in place and in search of constructive solutions to improve the situation on the ground. In a country where the informal economy is prosperous, guaranteeing worthy working conditions and a fair salary is not only a question of social justice, but also an imperative for sustainable development and social cohesion.