Kinshasa, April 21st, 2026 (CPA).- Vendors operating shops at the Central Market of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, were ordered on Tuesday to clear sidewalks to allow pedestrians to move freely, during an inspection visit by the urban authority. “Shop vendors, your display goods must remain inside your stores. Clear the sidewalks to allow pedestrians to move freely and customers to shop under proper conditions,” said Daniel Bumba, Governor of the city of Kinshasa. He noted that the occupation of sidewalks not only causes traffic congestion but also leads to accidents.
“I no longer want to see goods displayed on sidewalks,” he insisted. The urban authority also stressed that the street is neither a market, nor a place of trade, nor a dumping ground. “Today is a final warning. Anyone who persists will be arrested along with their goods. We are on a concrete road, notably Kasa-Vubu Avenue, which cost the Republic a great deal of money. Unfortunately, some people are not making proper use of it. To all those occupying Kasa-Vubu, Bokasa, Usoke, Wangata, Dima, Rwakadingi, Plateau and Kigoma avenues, the street is neither a market nor a dumping site,” he recalled. According to Governor Bumba, nearly a year has passed since the launch of the campaign “the street is not a market,” which is now entering a new phase of enforcement to compel compliance.
“It is incomprehensible that roads built to ease traffic congestion are once again blocked. The Huileries area remains constantly congested despite its fully rehabilitated roads. Starting this evening, law enforcement will be deployed to restore order. Any repeat offense will lead to arrests,” he warned. Governor Bumba also informed vendors that the registration deadline for obtaining stalls at the new Central Market has been extended. “Please go to the Botanical Garden to register,” he said. “We will no longer tolerate street vending. Roads are meant for vehicle circulation and citizen mobility. We will act with firmness, rigor and determination. Anyone opposing the State will face the consequences,” he concluded.