In Lubumbashi, we've had successes in eliminating the city's problem with street children, also known as shégués.

I'm Daudet Kitengie. I live in Lubumbashi.

I've observed the practice called Kanyama Kasese, which consists of forcing these street children (shégués in the local language) to go to the National Rehabilitation Service in Kanyama, more than 1,000 km away from Lubumbashi.

For some time, around 2018, the insecurity created by the abundance of shégués reached an all-time high. We see how peaceful citizens are threatened, beaten, robbed, and raped, and how they have their money, mobile phones, bags, and other valuables taken... right before the powerless gaze of those all around and the city's security forces.

Today, with the launch of operation Kanyama Kasese, the level of insecurity has decreased considerably.

The number of shégués is decreasing. Those who are forcibly recruited to Kanyama are reeducated, fed, paid for their work, and trained in different professional trades. This is similar to the situation in 2009, when the problem of insecurity related to the shégués was less visible because the government was taking charge of them.

The inhabitants of Lubumbashi could go about their business without worrying and be left in peace at night.

Hats off to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for this initiative that has brought security to the city of Lubumbashi and for reintegrating and valuing these children once more, who before were considered a threat.

The government still faces the challenge of finding a solution for the children and adolescents who continue to roam the city.

Translation: Andru Shively (VUB)