THIS IS HOW YOU PROTEST!

The Kinshasa central market, also known as Zando, is located within the Gombe commune of DRC’s capital. In July 2020, its female sellers took to the streets to protest against the city’s management and the government of President Félix Tshisekedi, who’d come to power in 2019. And—as you can see in this clip—their protest was delivered by energetically singing and dancing as armed police looked on.

The DRC has been destabilised by militias backed by neighbouring countries Rwanda and Uganda, which has led to ongoing violence for over 20 years. This has created challenging conditions that affect the everyday lives of the Congolese people, including infrastructure deficits hampering mobility and economic activities. Another problem is corruption, inefficient bureaucratic processes, and a lack of support for informal industry workers, especially women.

Securing a second term in 2023, Tshisekedi campaigned on a promise (also made during his first run) to improve people’s lives and to stop the destabilising efforts from neighbouring countries and their global backers. Despite a lot of rhetoric, the Congolese people are still waiting.