The morning of June 3 saw the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, wake up to an uncharacteristically quiet atmosphere. This follows a call from the opposition for a “ville morte” (dead city) day to protest against proposed constitutional amendments that could extend Félix Tshisekedi’s tenure.
While the city typically buzzes with activity as early as 3:00 AM, traffic remained sparse today. Taxis were few and far between, schools saw very few students, and most commercial businesses kept their doors shuttered. The massive crowds that usually cause gridlock were nowhere to be found.
Heightened security and empty streets
In the Mont-Amba district, the road leading to the University of Kinshasa—usually a hive of activity—was nearly deserted by 7:50 AM. The expected waves of students were absent, replaced by dozens of police officers stationed along the roadside. Public transport stops stood empty, and service stations, such as the Salongo station, appeared reluctant to open for business.
Security forces were highly visible, with police jeeps moving toward the University of Kinshasa and military vehicles positioned along Bypass Avenue. The frequently congested Ngaba roundabout remained largely vacant well into the morning.
Impact on transport and commerce
In Limete, a hub for major thoroughfares like Lumumba and Poids Lourds, the usual morning rush was non-existent. Residents reported that public transport was nearly impossible to find; one commuter from the Tshangu district noted that only a single bus was operating toward the city center by 7:00 AM.
Many vehicle owners chose to stay home to avoid potential unrest or damage to their property. Police patrols were active throughout the area, with heavy deployments noted at key points such as the “première rue” in the commune of Limete.
