By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
On April 6, 2025, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo visited Kinshasa, the country’s flood-hit capital, where he faced public outrage following deadly flash floods.
The weekend floods, which left at least 33 people dead, have once again highlighted the city’s severe infrastructure and sanitation problems.
Kinshasa, located on the banks of the Congo River, is prone to flooding, especially in its poorer, overcrowded neighborhoods.
Shoddy infrastructure and blocked drainage systems exacerbate the issue, putting residents in unpaved streets and makeshift housing at greater risk. With a population nearing 17 million, these conditions have led to frequent and devastating floods.
While visiting an emergency shelter housing 600 displaced people, Tshisekedi encountered angry citizens who blamed him for their suffering.
One resident accused the president, saying, “Dad, you left your children in the street,” while another criticized him by saying, “They call you a man of concrete, but you’re not helping your people.”
These comments refer to Tshisekedi’s previous promises of improving infrastructure, which many feel have not been fulfilled.
Despite the criticism, the president, accompanied by his wife, offered words of comfort: “Stay healthy and may the Lord protect you,” before leaving the shelter.
The floods have affected around 5,000 families, with 50 people reported hospitalized.
While water levels began to subside on Monday, allowing traffic to return to normal, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for better infrastructure and sanitation to prevent future disasters in Kinshasa.
