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Kinshasa (commune)

Coordinates: 04°19′24″S 15°18′29″E / 4.32333°S 15.30806°E / -4.32333; 15.30806
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Kinshasa
Commune
Commune de Kinshasa
Map
Map
Map
Kinshasa commune on map of city-province
Kinshasa city-province on map of DR Congo
Kinshasa city-province on map of DR Congo
Coordinates: 04°19′24″S 15°18′29″E / 4.32333°S 15.30806°E / -4.32333; 15.30806[1]
Country DR Congo
City-ProvinceKinshasa
Area
 • Total
2.9 km2 (1.1 sq mi)
Population
 (2015 est.)
 • Total
453,632
 • Density160,000/km2 (410,000/sq mi)

Kinshasa is a commune of the city-province of Kinshasa, located in the Lukunga District in the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2] Situated in the northern section of the capital,[3] the commune covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers and had an estimated population of 453,632 as of 2015.[4] It is bordered to the north by Kinshasa Zoological Garden, to the south by Kalamu via Funa Avenue, to the east by Lingwala via Oil Mill Avenue, and to the west by Barumbu via Luambo Makiadi Avenue.[3] The major thoroughfare, Boulevard du 30 Juin, and the neighboring commune of Gombe lie just to its north.[3]

Initially developed as part of the indigenous city (cités indigènes) in the early 20th century, the Kinshasa commune was officially established by decree-law on 26 March 1957.[5] Its current boundaries were defined by ministerial decree No. 69-0042 of 23 January 1969, and its administrative structure is governed by Law No. 082-008 of 25 February 1982, which outlines the status of the city-province of Kinshasa.[5] The municipal headquarters is located at the intersection of Kambambare and Kasa-Vubu avenues, near Stade Cardinal Malula and Salle Mongita.[5] The commune is divided into seven quartiers: Madimba, Ngabka, Mongala, Aketi, Djalo, Pende, and Boyoma.[5] It hosts several significant institutions of the city of Kinshasa.[6]

Geography

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Terrain and climate

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The geography of the commune of Kinshasa reflects the broader geomorphological characteristics of the city-province to which it belongs. The local soil composition is predominantly sandy, with fine particles and a dark brown coloration.[3] It exhibits high porosity and a friable consistency when dry, with a low clay content typically under 20%. The soil profile follows the AC type, comprising two mineral horizons, with the surface layer darker than the subsurface.[3] Approximately 90% of the sand content consists of particles ranging in diameter from 250 to 500 micrometers. These soils are generally poor in organic matter and have a low degree of saturation in their absorbent complex, making them relatively infertile.[3]

The vegetation in the commune is influenced by these soil conditions and consists primarily of savannah ecosystems, interspersed with shrubs, steppes, and low-density gallery forests.[3] However, urban expansion has significantly reduced natural vegetation cover, with savannahs now largely confined to the hill areas and the Batéké Plateau.[3]

The climate of Kinshasa commune is classified as AW4 under the Köppen climate classification system, indicating a humid tropical climate. The area experiences an average annual temperature of 25°C and receives approximately 1,400 mm of rainfall per year, with rain falling on about 112 days annually.[3] The wettest months are typically November and April. The rainy season extends from mid-September to mid-May, while the dry season lasts from mid-May to mid-September. Average relative humidity stands at around 79%.[3]

Administration

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Organization and subdivisions

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The commune of Kinshasa, situated within the Lukunga District of the city-province of Kinshasa, was formally established by the decree-law of 26 March 1957. It originated as part of the indigenous township system (cités indigènes) that emerged during the early 20th century.[5] Its present administrative boundaries were delineated by Ministerial Order No. 69-0042 of 23 January 1969, which determined the number, names, and territorial limits of communes in the city-province.[5] The commune's governance is currently regulated by Law No. 82-008 of 25 February 1982, which defines the legal and administrative framework for the city-province of Kinshasa.[5]

The communal headquarters is located at the intersection of Kambambare and Kasa-Vubu avenues, facing Stade Cardinal Malula and Salle Mongita.[5] The commune is subdivided into seven quartiers (neighborhoods): Madimba, Ngabka, Mongala, Aketi, Djalo, Pende, and Boyoma, which are further divided into avenues.[5] While the commune itself holds juridical personality and functions as a decentralized administrative unit, its neighborhoods are purely administrative subdivisions without legal autonomy or political representation, as stipulated in Article 82-006.[5]

Structure and functions of communal governance

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The governance structure of the commune comprises two principal bodies: the Municipal Council and the Municipal Executive College.[7] The Municipal Council serves as the deliberative body and consists of elected municipal councillors, chosen in accordance with national electoral law. The Municipal Executive College is responsible for executing the decisions of the Council and managing daily administrative operations.[7] It includes the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and two Municipal Aldermen.[7] The Mayor and Deputy Mayor may be elected from within or outside the Council and are formally appointed by decree of the Governor of Kinshasa within fifteen days following the announcement of election results. Municipal Aldermen are appointed by the Mayor, subject to approval, based on criteria such as competence, credibility, and community representativeness.[7]

The Mayor serves as the chief authority of the commune and heads the Municipal Executive College. Responsibilities include overseeing municipal administration, maintaining public order, and implementing national and provincial laws, regulations, and local policies.[8] The Mayor acts as a judicial police officer with general jurisdiction, a civil status officer, and the primary budgetary authority of the commune. They also represent the commune in legal matters and in dealings with external parties.[9] For law enforcement, the Mayor has units of the National Police under their authority. In emergencies, when the Municipal Council is not in session, the Mayor may, upon consultation with the Executive College, enact administrative and police regulations, enforceable by penalties of up to seven days of detention or fines up to 5,000 Congolese francs.[9] These measures are issued through municipal decrees following deliberation by the Executive College.[9]

History

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Insasa Station, by the Stanley Pool (1885)
Insasa village (1912)

Archaeological evidence indicates that the site of the present-day city of Kinshasa has been inhabited for at least 40,000 years, with stone-cutting workshops and true lithic industry sites identified in the area.[10][11] By the 16th century, the location had developed into a thriving regional hub, home to a major market known as Mpumbu (now Pool Malebo), which brought together several traditional settlements and ancient villages, including the village of Insasa (also known as Nshasa).[10][12] It was during this period that Italian Capuchin missionaries first encountered the local leader Ngobila, marking the early stages of European interaction with the region.[10]

The modern foundation of Kinshasa began with the third expedition of explorer Henry Morton Stanley between 1879 and 1884. During this journey, Stanley established several trading and administrative posts along the Congo River. One of these, founded in 1881 near the village of Insasa following a treaty signed with Teke chief Ntsuvila, became known as the Léopoldville Post.[10][11][13] Initially part of Stanley Pool Station, this outpost was elevated to the status of Stanley Pool District in 1888 and further upgraded to an urban constituency in 1895. The importance of Léopoldville grew significantly with the opening of the Léopoldville–Matadi Railway in 1898, which facilitated transportation between the river and the Atlantic coast.[10][13] Following the annexation of the Congo Free State by Belgium in 1908,[13] Léopoldville became part of the newly formed Moyen-Congo District in 1910.[10][13] Under the administration of Georges Moulaert, then district commissioner, efforts were made to relocate the capital of the Belgian Congo from Boma to Léopoldville, due to its strategic location on Stanley Pool (now Pool Malebo).[10][13] After a series of administrative reorganizations, a royal decree issued on 1 July 1923 authorized the transfer, which was officially implemented in October 1923.[13][10] The city's role as capital was formalized by Ordinance No. 58/56 of 10 August 1923. Shortly thereafter, it became the capital of the Belgian Congo and the chief town of the province of Léopoldville.[13] A map from 1926 shows the creation of a new urban district around the capital and the incorporation of Moyen-Congo into Bas-Congo (south) and Lac Léopold II (north):

1926 provinces and districts, Moyen Congo dissolved

Léopoldville was granted civil status as a city in 1957. The city was then organized into 11 communes: Kalamu, Dendale (present-day Kasa-Vubu), Saint Jean (now Lingwala), Ngiri-Ngiri, Kintambo, Limete, Bandalungwa, Léopoldville (now Gombe), Barumbu, Kinshasa, and Ngaliema. It also included six adjunct regions: Lemba, Binza, Makala, Kimwenza, Kimbanseke, and Kingasani.[14] Later additions to the city included the regions of Ndjili and Matete.[14] In 1966, under President Mobutu Sese Seko's Authenticité policy, the city was renamed Kinshasa in honor of the original village of Insasa, reclaiming its indigenous identity.[15] In 1978, Kinshasa was granted special administrative status, becoming a region—now classified as a province—with legal personality and its own institutional governance.[10] The historian and sociologist Léon de Saint-Moulin, emphasized how colonial urban planning and policies led to the disintegration of traditional villages such as Lemba, Kintambo, Kinshasa, and Mikunga, many of which were transformed into modern communes, thereby eroding ancient cultural values and social structures.[10] The administrative boundaries of the commune of Kinshasa were formally defined by Ministerial Order No. 69-0042 of 23 January 1969.[5] Its governance is currently structured under Law No. 82-008 of 25 February 1982, which establishes the broader administrative and legal framework of the city-province of Kinshasa.[5]

Economy

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The commune plays a significant role in the informal economy of the city-province, largely due to its strategic location and the presence of several major marketplaces. These markets serve as vital nodes in the distribution of agricultural goods, particularly plantains imported from the neighboring province of Kongo Central, and support a wide range of commercial activity.[16] One of the most prominent economic hubs is Somba Zigida Market, situated at the intersection of Avenue Dima and Avenue du Plateau within the commune itself. As of May 1989, the market hosted approximately 4,000 vendors.[16] Somba Zigida is particularly known for its specialization in fruits and vegetables and is often likened to a "local flea market" due to its diverse offerings, including goods not readily available elsewhere in the city.[16]

In close proximity, although located in the adjacent commune of Kasa-Vubu, are Gambela Market (also referred to as Maman Apenge Market) and Masimanimba Market, both significantly influence the economic life of the Kinshasa commune.[16] Gambela Market, located on Gambela Avenue, is one of the largest in the capital. In 1989, it supported approximately 4,600 vendors. Masimanimba Market, positioned near the junction of Gambela and Ethiopia avenues, functions both as a marketplace and a major urban parking facility.[16]

The Madimba neighborhood of the Kinshasa commune encircles the Kinshasa Central Market (Marché Central), one of the most influential marketplaces in the city-province, serving as a commercial magnet for traders and consumers.[16] In addition to its markets, the commune is home to major public venues, including Stade Cardinal Malula and Salle Mongita, which attract large crowds for sports, cultural events, and public gatherings.[5][17][18][19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo". Google Maps. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  2. ^ "Géographie de Kinshasa (Geography of Kinshasa)" (in French). Ville de Kinshasa (City of Kinshasa). Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Abanda, Samuel (2020). "Tfc: Inventaire dendrométrique et floristique des arbres du jardin botanique de Kinshasa" [Tfc: dendrometric and floristic inventory of trees in the Kinshasa botanical garden] (in French). Lemba, Kinshasa: University of Kinshasa. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  4. ^ Kinyamba, S. Shomba; Nsenda, F. Mukoka; Nonga, D. Olela; Kaminar, T.M.; Mbalanda, W. (2015). "Monographie de la ville de Kinshasa" (PDF) (in French). Ottawa, Canada: IDRC.CRDI. p. 41. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Lufala, Christian Kingombe Kemba (2020). "Renouvellement urbain du pôle commercial Zando dans le cadre du ppa de la parie nord de la ville de Kinshasa" [Urban renewal of the Zando commercial center as part of the PPA for the northern part of the city of Kinshasa] (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Institut Supérieur d'Architecture et d'Urbanisme (ISAU). Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  6. ^ Salambiaku, Giresse Bifubiambote (2009). "Contribution à l'analyse de la rentabilité dans le commerce de banane plantain dans la ville de Kinshasa" [Contribution to the analysis of profitability in the plantain banana trade in the city of Kinshasa] (in French). Lemba, Kinshasa: University of Kinshasa. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d "Loi organique n° 08/016 du 07 octobre 2008 portant composition, organisation et fonctionnement des Entités Territoriales Décentralisées et leurs rapports avec l'Etat et les Provinces" [Organic Law No. 08/016 of October 7, 2008 on the composition, organization and operation of Decentralized Territorial Entities and their relations with the State and the Provinces]. Leganet.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  8. ^ "Loi organique n° 08/016 du 07 octobre 2008 portant composition, organisation et fonctionnement des Entités Territoriales Décentralisées et leurs rapports avec l'Etat et les Provinces" [Organic Law No. 08/016 of October 7, 2008 on the composition, organization and operation of Decentralized Territorial Entities and their relations with the State and the Provinces]. Leganet.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  9. ^ a b c "Loi organique n° 08/016 du 07 octobre 2008 portant composition, organisation et fonctionnement des Entités Territoriales Décentralisées et leurs rapports avec l'Etat et les Provinces" [Organic Law No. 08/016 of October 7, 2008 on the composition, organization and operation of Decentralized Territorial Entities and their relations with the State and the Provinces]. Leganet.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kapagama, Pascal; Waterhouse, Rachel (July 2009). "Portrait of Kinshasa: a city on (the) edge" (PDF). Crisis States Research Centre (in French). London School of Economics. pp. 2–3. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  11. ^ a b Mutombo, Hilaire Katalayi (12 May 2015). "Urbanisation et fabrique urbaine à Kinshasa: défis et opportunités d'aménagement" [Urbanization and urban development in Kinshasa: challenges and opportunities for development] (PDF). HAL science (in French). Pessac, Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France: Bordeaux Montaigne University. p. 75. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  12. ^ Kyana, Joël (2010). "Les constructions anarchiques dans les quartiers Kimbangu I et Yolo-Nord III le long de la rivière Kalamu:étude d'impact environnemental et social" [Uncontrolled construction in the Kimbangu I and Yolo-Nord III districts along the Kalamu River: environmental and social impact study] (in French). Institut du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Lumbu, Hence Mathodi (2003). "Le rôle des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME)/ industries(PMI) dans la réduction de la pauvreté à Kinshasa Cas de la commune de Masina" [The role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)/industries (SMIs) in poverty reduction in Kinshasa Case of the commune of Masina] (in French). Lemba, Kinshasa: University of Kinshasa. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  14. ^ a b Luaka, Evrard Nkenku (2005). "La gestion et la gouvernance des déchets dans la ville-province de Kinshasa" [Waste management and governance in the city-province of Kinshasa] (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: University of Kinshasa. Archived from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  15. ^ Kinyamba, S. Shomba; Nsenda, F. Mukoka; Nonga, D. Olela; Kaminar, T.M.; Mbalanda, W. . (2015). "Monographie de la ville de Kinshasa" (PDF) (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Institut Congolais de Recherche en Développement et Etudes Stratégiques (ICREDES). pp. 9–28. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Salambiaku, Giresse Bifubiambote (2009). "Contribution à l'analyse de la rentabilité dans le commerce de banane plantain dans la ville de Kinshasa" [Contribution to the analysis of profitability in the plantain banana trade in the city of Kinshasa] (in French). Lemba, Kinshasa: University of Kinshasa. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  17. ^ Kalambay, Dan Kalala (7 November 2022). "Stade Cardinal Malula, un repaire de "shegués"" [Cardinal Malula Stadium, a den of "shegués"]. Ouragan.cd (in French). Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  18. ^ "Kinshasa: la salle Mongita risque de ne plus accueillir de pièces de théâtre" [Kinshasa: Mongita Hall may no longer host plays]. Radio Okapi (in French). 10 April 2009. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  19. ^ Rédaction (25 September 2019). "Salle Mongita, le reflet du secteur culturel congolais!" [Mongita Hall, a reflection of the Congolese cultural sector!]. Arts.cd (in French). Retrieved 13 May 2025.
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