Four construction workers with the task force responsible for cleaning up Kinshasa were killed on September 15 while performing their duties. The incident has sparked strong condemnation from the unit's command, which reported a series of acts of incivility and violence against its members. Lieutenant-General Jean-Pierre Kasongo Kabwik, commander of the task force, expressed his pain over the loss of his men, citing recurring violence against workers mobilized for sanitation work in the capital.
The four construction workers were struck and killed while working on sanitation projects in the city. The task force commander also reported that a fifth team member was violently attacked and seriously injured by citizens. Lieutenant-General Kabwik stated that these incidents highlight the difficulties faced by construction workers in their daily work. The four bodies are currently at the morgue, awaiting burial in the coming days.
Lieutenant-General Kabwik questioned the lack of attention given to the abuse of construction workers, asking how many had been injured, physically attacked, and killed. He emphasized that the violence suffered by construction workers deserves more attention in public debate, alongside any potential misconduct that may be attributed to them. The task force commander also recalled the disciplinary framework in which his agents work, affirming that they operate with respect for the texts governing this paramilitary unit.
According to Lieutenant-General Kabwik, any individual misconduct is not tolerated, and any delinquent behavior or abuse of power by a construction worker is brought before military justice to establish responsibilities and impose appropriate sanctions. However, he deplored an imbalance in public perception of incidents involving construction workers, with attention often focused on potential missteps by agents, while attacks, injuries, and deaths are overlooked.
The succession of incidents highlights tensions that can arise on public roads between sanitation brigades, road users, and certain residents. The task force command emphasizes that violence cannot be a response to disagreements or perceived shortcomings on the ground. Lieutenant-General Kabwik called for restraint and civility, inviting the Kinshasa population to respect agents mobilized on the ground and avoid any form of violence against them.
The lieutenant-general's intervention aims to draw attention to the risks faced by construction workers, who are exposed to violence and incivility while performing their duties. He stressed that no presumed individual fault can justify attacks against sanitation agents. The situation requires a change in public perception and behavior towards construction workers, who play a vital role in maintaining the city's cleanliness and hygiene.
The recent incidents have sparked concerns about the safety and security of construction workers in Kinshasa. The task force command has urged the population to report any incidents or acts of violence against its members, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The authorities have also been called upon to take concrete measures to protect construction workers and prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
Key points
- Four construction workers with Kinshasa's sanitation task force were killed while on duty on September 15.
- The task force commander, Lieutenant-General Jean-Pierre Kasongo Kabwik, has condemned the recurring violence against construction workers.
- The incidents highlight the need for greater public awareness and civility towards construction workers, who face significant risks while performing their duties.
