Kinshasa: Over 8,500 Pakadjuma evictees relocated to a site in Kinkole

Kinshasa, February 22^nd, 2026 (CPA) – More than 8,500 evictees from Pakadjuma, a slum in Limete, a central municipality of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been relocated to a site in Kinkole, in N’sele, an eastern municipality of the Congolese capital, CPA learned Saturday from a police source. “To date, more than 8,500 people have been evacuated from the Pakadjuma site. They are currently grouped in a transit site in Kinkole, pending their final settlement on plots that the Congolese State is making available to them free of charge,” said Senior Superintendent Michel Atiakumu, commander in charge of the Sanitation and Public Hygiene Police. “However, in Pakadjuma, there are still some resistant individuals and repeat offenders, notably certain vendors who continue their activities on site despite the ongoing operation. On the other hand, among those transferred to Kinkole, no return to Pakadjuma has been reported,” Senior Superintendent Atiakumu indicated. For those who refuse to comply, he noted that a sweeping operation is being considered, as it is imperative that the Pakadjuma site be completely cleared. “The will of the Congolese State is clear: this space must remain free. It is by no means a question of imposing a dictatorship. The persons concerned are not obliged to accept the proposed sites; it is a choice. However, clearing the site remains a necessity,” he stated, adding that some resistant individuals claim to be already looking for another place to settle. The evacuation was carried out with the support of MONUSCO human rights experts, in collaboration with the Kinshasa Sanitation Police. “The operation is not yet over. We are continuing the interventions, as a large number of occupants remain on site, including many people who do not yet fully understand the stakes and the measures taken,” concluded Senior Superintendent Atiakumu.