Kinshasa National Service cleaners accused of abuses

Kinshasa National Service cleaners, including former gang members recruited into a military-run paramilitary force, have been clearing rubbish from the Democratic Republic of Congo capital since June but are also accused of beating and abusing residents.

President Felix Tshisekedi decided in May to deploy National Service workers to clean Kinshasa, a city of about 17 million people where rubbish is dumped in streets, drains and rivers. The recruits, known as "builders", wear blue overalls and yellow boots and operate under military supervision.

Residents near Victory Roundabout said the crews had made streets cleaner and discouraged dumping. But AFP witnessed members in Bandalungwa ordering a passer-by to sweep with them and striking him several times with sticks when he refused. Videos of alleged abuses by the paramilitaries have spread on social media in recent weeks.

The crews have also cracked down on illegal street markets, driving vendors from public spaces and confiscating goods. Environmental specialist Eric Ndilu said people often return to old habits when the crews leave, while Ebuteli researcher Albert Malukisa said the operation is moving the problem elsewhere because Kinshasa lacks waste treatment centres.

The National Service was created in 1997 and is under the authority of the presidency. It is tasked partly with reintegrating "kulunas", youth gangs that have terrorised Kinshasa residents, after military, technical and civic training.

Malukisa warned that the force could be called on if police are overwhelmed during expected political tensions over a proposed constitutional change. Prisoners' rights activist Emmanuel Cole alleged some recruits entered through nepotism or tribalism and that some were sent to training without appearing before a court. A justice ministry official also said recruits in the force had not been brought before a judge.