In DRC, national Service recruits clean Kinshasa
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In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi deployed over 4,500 recruits from the National Service to address the city’s severe waste problem.
The task force, largely composed of former offenders, works to clear trash from the streets and maintain order. These recruits, many previously known as “kuluna”, delinquents, now clean the capital and remove debris blocking drainage systems.
Nzaba Mubiala, a company commander and former delinquent, said the training he received transformed him and he is proud of the opportunity the state has given him. The recruits earn between 250 and 500 US dollars each month for their work. Some videos circulating on social media accuse the task force of using violence and forced labor, but members deny these claims, stating they assign small tasks to those who litter to discourage repeat offenses.
While residents praise the visible improvements, urban planners point out that lasting change requires a comprehensive sanitation policy to prevent the rapid return of waste accumulation.
