Kinshasa, June 28th, 2026 (CPA).- A collection of illustrated chronicles entitled Kinshasa Between the Lines: Illustrated Chronicles of a City That Speaks, released on Saturday, invites readers to take a fresh look at Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), through the lens of everyday life, the author told CPA on Sunday. « My wish is that Kinshasa between the Lines will encourage readers to look at their surroundings from a new perspective. Great cities tell their stories through their monuments and major events, but they also tell them through everyday gestures, conversations, public transport, markets and all those ordinary scenes that shape our collective identity, » said Paola Kibanga, author of the book.
According to the writer, the idea for the publication was sparked a few weeks ago by a simple photograph of a bus in Kinshasa.
« That image led me to reflect on what I call urban wisdom, » she explained. Through twelve illustrated chronicles spread over 60 pages, the book portrays the former Léopoldville by exploring its markets, shared taxis and buses, traffic congestion, queues, shop signs, street fashion and social media. « It is about all those small everyday scenes that we encounter without always taking the time to truly notice them, » Paola Kibanga said.
She added: « I hope this book will encourage everyone to observe more closely, value our urban heritage and understand that everyday life is also a precious source of reflection, research and creativity. If these chronicles inspire the people of Kinshasa to smile debate and rediscover their city, then they will have achieved their purpose. » Paola Kibanga is a communications specialist and editor. She is also the author of several books on human relationships, mental health and emotional dynamics, addressing, among other topics, invisible emotional wounds and modern relationships.