** Accidents in Kinshasa: a burden on the roads of the DRC **
On June 4, 2025, Kinshasa was the scene of a tragic traffic accident that cost two people on the Lumumba boulevard, in the bibwa district of the commune of N’Ssele. This event raises crucial questions about road safety in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exacerbated by social tensions and an urban framework often poorly developed.
### The context of the accident
The circumstances of this accident were described by Alain Manimba, head of the Transco Bus movement service, who indicated that the bus involved, number 775, was circulating against the sense, which, by definition, represents a violation of traffic rules. The fact that the driver fled after the accident also fueled the anger of the residents, who began to vandalize the vehicle. This type of reaction, although understandable in a context of pain and anger at the loss of human life, raises questions about the management of public space and everyone’s responsibility for the law.
### Road accidents: a recurring scourge
The DRC has long been faced with a high rate of road accidents. Since the population growth of the capital and the increase in the number of vehicles are not accompanied by adequate infrastructure and services, road safety remains a major concern. According to previous studies, poorly maintained roads, the lack of road safety education and the absence of substantial measures to apply the regulations are structuring factors of this problem.
### Human and social impacts
Behind the statistics hide human stories. The death of two people in this accident is not only a news item; It is a tragedy that affects families and entire communities. The loss of a loved one in tragic circumstances arouses sustainable trauma and exacerbates community tensions. In a country still marked by its socio-political upheavals, each lost life is a recall of the persistent challenges faced by Congolese society.
### Towards a collective reflection
It is essential to wonder what measures can be taken to improve the situation. Awareness of road safety must be a priority axis, involving not only bus drivers but also all road users. Strengthening road infrastructure and public transport systems could also play a decisive role in reducing the number of accidents.
However, these solutions must be envisaged in a broader framework, including clear public policies and a commitment from local authorities to guarantee road safety. A collaboration between the various players, including the security bodies, public transport companies and local communities, will be essential to establish a road safety culture.
### Conclusion
The drama in Kinshasa highlights complex stakes of road safety and social solidarity. Beyond the tragic accident, it calls for a collective reflection on how to improve living conditions in the capital, while guaranteeing the security of all its users. The road must be a meeting and passage place, not a space of danger and sadness. The city of Kinshasa, with its challenges but also its potential, deserves a vision that places humans and security at the heart of its development. In this quest, responsibility becomes a shared value, and everyone, at their level, can contribute to a safer future.