Covid-19 in the DRC: Kinshasa experienced its first night of curfew
The business district of Kinshasa in the DRC, the commune of Gombe, was totally confined for two weeks, on April 19, 2020. REUTERS / Kenny Katombe
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
The Democratic Republic of the Congo launched its first curfew on the evening of Friday, December 18.
Faced with a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, the authorities have decided to ban all activities from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., except for exceptional authorization.
In the streets of Kinshasa, the Congolese have had to adapt to this new situation and for the time being unlimited.
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With our special correspondent in Kinshasa,
Sébastien Németh
Kinshasa central police station: it is already 9 p.m. this Friday, December 18, but the police are only starting to install the barriers.
For the first evening, the chief of police, General Sylvano Kasongo, preferred a flexible application of the rules adopted in this period of the new coronavirus pandemic:
“
It has been over 20 years since we last saw the curfew in Kinshasa.
This is a
sanitary curfew
.
At the time, it was a safe curfew.
We must be human!
There is tolerance.
We can't be strict and say we don't go by at 9 p.m. anymore.
"
► See also: DRC: the dissatisfaction of artists with the new anti-Covid measures
9:30 p.m .: in town, traffic has already greatly reduced.
At the Kintambo crossroads, the Congolese already in violation hurry to return home.
Didier Pambo, taxi driver, had to end his day earlier than expected:
“
I come home empty-handed.
I have no money.
When I work from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. I get paid something to help my family.
"
An hour later, the streets are almost deserted.
Along the great boulevard Lumumba, a few curfew castaways are trying to return home on foot.
Israel was delayed by the police:
“
We were challenged.
I know the hour is late.
Please excuse me !
It's an order
given by the Head of State: it's up to everyone to obey, there is nothing to discuss!
"
Over the hours, barriers and police are more and more numerous.
Security is tightening and some free riders are arrested.
In the Bon Marché district, bars and restaurants are closed.
Pius Mwanga has rarely seen this:
“
At Bon Marché, the atmosphere is almost 24 hours a day. Here, at midnight, it is as if we were in broad daylight.
Tonight it is as if the country is in national mourning.
"
The curfew is for an unlimited period.
The Congolese expect a gloomy end to the year.
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