Kinshasa, the capital of the République démocratique du Congo, woke up to an unusual silence this Wednesday morning. The quiet atmosphere follows a call from the opposition for a “ville morte” (dead city) protest, aimed at rejecting proposed constitutional changes that would allow Félix Tshisekedi to extend his leadership.
The city, which typically buzzes with activity as early as 3:00 AM, is experiencing significantly reduced traffic. Only a few taxis are operating, students are largely absent from the streets, and most commercial businesses remain shuttered. The massive crowds that usually cause gridlock in the capital are nowhere to be seen.
Security presence and deserted hubs in Mont-Amba
In the district of Mont-Amba, the road leading to the Université de Kinshasa is notably deserted. By 7:50 AM, the usual waves of arriving students were non-existent. Instead, dozens of police officers have been deployed along the roadside. Public transport stops are empty, and several service stations, including the Salongo station, have hesitated to open their doors.
Law enforcement movement is heavy in the area, with multiple police jeeps heading toward the Université de Kinshasa. Military vehicles have also been spotted patrolling Bypass Avenue. The Ngaba roundabout, a major transit point, remained nearly vacant until 8:00 AM.
Limited movement in Limete and Tshangu
The commune of Limete, typically a hub of intense activity on the Lumumba and Poids Lourds boulevards, is seeing very little pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Public transport has become a rarity; one resident from the Tshangu district noted that only a single bus was available to reach the city center before 7:00 AM.
Many private vehicle owners have chosen to keep their cars at home to avoid potential damage or unrest. Police jeeps are conducting regular patrols throughout the area, with a high concentration of officers stationed at strategic points, particularly at the 1st Street in Limete.
