Street child in the sewers, Kinshasa: a frightening reality
The presence of street children, commonly known as “Shegués”, has become a worrying reality in the streets of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These children, aged between 10 and 14, roam the streets, gathering in gangs and taking advantage of the slightest distraction to commit thefts and assaults.
But what is even more alarming is that some of these “Shegués” find refuge in the sewers of the city, transforming these dark and unsanitary places into real haunts. They lurk among trash and sewage, ready to spring up at any moment to commit their misdeeds.
This phenomenon has recently caught the attention of the population, who have decided to take matters into their own hands. Through a spontaneous mobilization, residents tracked down and arrested several of these street children who lived in the sewers of Boulevard du 30 juin in Kinshasa.
Unfortunately, anger and frustration took over reason, and the “Shegués” were victims of violence from the population before the arrival of the police. This violent reaction testifies to the exasperation of the population in the face of the growing insecurity caused by these street children.
This is not the first time that the “Shegués” have been talked about. Their massive presence in downtown Kinshasa disrupts the daily lives of residents. They beg at red lights, steal the goods of passers-by and create a climate of insecurity for everyone.
It is imperative to find lasting solutions to remedy this situation. The authorities must reinforce security in the streets of Kinshasa in order to protect the population and prevent juvenile delinquency. Awareness-raising and social reintegration actions must also be put in place to offer an alternative to street children and get them out of this spiral of violence and marginalization.
The situation of street children in the sewers of Kinshasa is a real call to action. It is time for all the actors concerned to mobilize to find concrete and lasting solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of these children, who deserve a chance to get out of it and know a better future