Kinshasa (AFP) – Clad in blue overalls and yellow boots, former gang members have been drafted in as street-sweepers in Kinshasa, the sprawling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The “kuluna” — or youth gang — members are working as part of the paramilitary National Service, which was enlisted in cleaning operations by President Felix Tshisekedi in May. Their presence, while welcomed by many residents, has also sparked concerns among observers who see risks in the increased presence of paramilitary-aligned personnel on the streets ahead of planned political protests.
