Inaccessible roads delay opening of modernized Kinshasa central market

The much-anticipated opening of Kinshasa's central market remains stalled because the roads leading to it are still inaccessible. President Félix Tshisekedi observed this reality during an inspection visit on Saturday, May 23. The market itself is modernized and ready to accommodate nearly 50,000 shoppers daily.

However, key avenues such as Avenue Plateau, de l’École, du Marché, des Marais, and Rwakadingi are still occupied by informal vendors. During his visit, President Tshisekedi firmly stated his intolerance for any stalls on the roadway, warning that violators would face confiscation of their goods. Presidential press reports indicate that he had previously ordered all access routes to the market, known as Zando, to be cleared back in 2025.

Returning a year later, the President expressed his deep disappointment. While the provincial government of Kinshasa has made significant strides in constructing several reinforced concrete roads, the urban authority has failed to maintain control over the vendors who have reclaimed these spaces. The President did not hide his anger at the disorder and also denounced the poor sanitation conditions.

The main access route, Rwakadingi Avenue, had once again become a public dump. Hours before the presidential visit, this avenue and adjacent ones had transformed into a makeshift market, with merchandise displayed amidst foul odors. The presidential press highlighted that a deficit in effective authority was once again criticized, underscoring the ongoing challenges in managing urban spaces and enforcing regulations in Kinshasa.