One Slice Away from being chopped : The Untold Stories of Kuluna and the Urgent Need for Reform 

by Eunicia Lutete  updated on January 22, 2024       

 

In the bustling streets of Kinshasa, a dark reality casts its shadow over the city: the presence of kuluna gangs, primarily composed of young minors, and at times, ominously, including women. Armed with machetes, these gangs rule the streets day and night, instilling fear in the hearts of residents, leaving behind a trail of violence, theft, and mutilated bodies. This article explores the untold stories of kuluna, examining the reasons behind their descent into criminality and the urgent need for reform to break the cycle of violence and despair.  

  

The term “kuluna” refers to a phenomenon that emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) around 2004-2005. The word itself is derived from the Lingala language, spoken in the DRC, and loosely translates to “thug” or “hooligan.” The kuluna phenomenon began with gatherings of young people initially intended for judo fights. However, it took a violent turn when disputes erupted, leading to clashes between youth from different neighborhoods.  

  

These confrontations escalated to the point where these young individuals armed themselves with machetes, readily available and easy to acquire. Machetes are often referred to as “white weapons” due to their common and easily procurable metal construction. This weapon of choice contributed to the scale of violence associated with the kuluna phenomenon.  

 

 

 

  

Over 20 years later, this trend has expanded beyond its initial locations, and Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, has become a hub of kuluna activities. The violence associated with kuluna activities has had significant social and security implications in the affected areas.  

  

According to UNICEF, 67% of the population in the DRC is young. In  a country of over 100 million people, the kuluna phenomenon is fraught with danger and despair, often motivated by circumstances beyond the control of the young members. Living in impoverished neighborhoods, these youth are compelled to adopt a criminal life as a means of survival. The weapon of choice for these gangs is the machete, and their modus operandi frequently involves theft and violence against innocent civilians, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatized.  

  

The most common scenario involves victims desperately trying to protect their belongings, only to lose parts of their bodies in the process. Hands, in particular become a macabre symbol of the struggle between the desperate and the ruthless. The scars left behind serve as a constant reminder of the brutal reality experienced by those inhabiting the urban landscapes of Kinshasa.   

  

What is the Way Forward?   

 

As we confront this troubling reality, a crucial question emerges: Where do we go from here? Is fear the appropriate response, or should we channel our energy into understanding the root causes of this epidemic and work towards a sustainable solution?  

  

Haiti has been in the news recently for the impact of organized gangs on the complete breakdown of the Government and society. The international press has called the situation “Cataclysmic.” Governments should take cognizance of the fact that if left unchecked, gangs can lead to total anarchy in a country,  

  

It is essential to recognize that children involved in these gangs have the potential for a better future if provided with the necessary support and resources. While the immediate response might be one of fear and condemnation, a more compassionate and informed approach is needed to address the systemic issues contributing to the creation of kuluna gangs.  

  

The Congolese government plays a significant role in resolving the kuluna phenomenon and ensuring the safety of its citizens. A comprehensive strategy must be implemented to tackle the root causes of youth involvement in these gangs. This includes addressing issues of poverty, lack of education, and limited access to opportunities that make youth vulnerable to a criminal life.  

  

Government initiatives should focus on creating programs that offer alternatives to at-risk youth, providing educational opportunities, vocational training, and psychological support. By investing in the future of these children, the government can break the cycle of violence and ensure a more stable and secure society.  

  

Another crucial aspect of addressing the kuluna issue is reforming the police force and ensuring accountability in upholding the rule of law. Too often, reports indicate police easily being corrupted by the families or associates of kuluna gang members, allowing the cycle of corruption to persist.  

  

To counter this, rigorous training programs for law enforcement should be implemented, emphasizing ethical conduct, and instilling a sense of duty to protect the community. Additionally, the establishment of an independent oversight body to investigate and prosecute cases of police corruption can contribute to restoring public trust in the judicial system.  

 

How to Restore Trust in the Community?  

  

Addressing the kuluna phenomenon requires a holistic approach involving active participation from communities. Building strong community networks and fostering a sense of collective responsibility can help identify at-risk youth early and provide them with the necessary support before they fall victim to the allure of gang life.  

  

Community centers, mentoring programs, and awareness initiatives can play a vital role in creating a supportive environment for vulnerable youth. By involving community leaders, educators, and local businesses, a united front can be formed to resist the influence of kuluna gangs and promote positive alternatives for the youth.  

 

 

 

  

My name is Jessica, and I live in one of Kinshasa's impoverished neighborhoods. One evening, on my way home from work, a group of Kuluna gang members surrounded me. Armed with machetes, they demanded my valuables. Terrified, I resisted, holding on tightly to my bag. In the struggle, they cut off my fingers, leaving me physically scarred and emotionally traumatized. The pain and fear still haunt me, a constant reminder of the brutality these Kuluna gangs inflict on innocent civilians. It is time for change; we need support to break free from this cycle of violence.

Testimonial 1: Victim's perspective  

I am Patrick, a resident of Kinshasa. One night, I found myself cornered by a group of Kuluna gang members. They were relentless, wanting everything I had. I tried to defend myself, but the machetes they were wielding were too powerful. In the end, I lost part of my hand. The scars serve as a painful reminder of that night. We cannot let fear dictate our lives. It is time for the government to step up, tackle poverty and lack of opportunity, and invest in programs offering alternative pathways for at-risk youth.  

  

Testimonial 2: The victim's perspective  

My name is Jean, and I was part of a kuluna gang. Growing up poor made crime the only way to survive. Joining the gang provided a distorted sense of belonging and security. Over time, however, I began to question my choices. The violence we inflicted on others haunted me. I escaped that life, but not everyone is so lucky. It is time for society to understand that we too are victims of circumstance. Comprehensive reform, education and support can break the cycle and offer a chance of redemption.  

  

Testimonial 3: The kuluna member's perspective  

 I am Mama Solange, a community leader in Kinshasa. We have seen the devastating impact of the kuluna gangs on our youth. It is time for us, as a community, to come together. We need community centers, mentoring programs and awareness-raising initiatives to identify at-risk youth early and offer them alternatives to gang life. It is our responsibility to foster a supportive environment and resist the influence of kuluna gangs. Only through unity and collective responsibility can we restore trust and create a safer community for our children.  

  

Testimonial 4: Community perspective  

I am David, a representative of an international NGO. The kuluna problem is not unique to Kinshasa; it is a global concern. International collaboration is crucial. By sharing best practices, providing financial assistance and supporting local initiatives, we can help break the cycle of violence. We need to recognize that the challenges facing young people in Kinshasa are linked to global issues. Together, as a global community, we can make a difference and offer hope of a brighter future for all children.  

Time to act is now before the Kuluna migrate from Machete to guns. The consequences of gang membership lead to other non-social activities like drug and alcohol abuse, age-inappropriate sexual behavior, lack of education and job skills, dysfunctional family life, imprisonment and even death. There are psychological impacts on the young gang members, like PTSD, higher levels of anxiety, paranoia, and not being able to fit into society. It is important for the Government, NGOs, Churches, and other reform societies to work together to curb this menace before it is too late. 

Testimonial 5: International perspective  

Africa, the cradle of humanity, a land that stirs the soul with its mystic allure. My soul chose to be born in a land where golden savannahs stretch far and wide. A land where one can witness the plains come alive with the rhythmic footsteps of herds embarking on their breath-taking migration in a timeless display of resilience and unity. A country that holds beauty, that enchants the senses and ignites wonder.

My land, my motherland Kenya. Born into a Kenyan family of Asian descent, a family that has lived and breathed Kenya and Africa for previous 5 generations, I can only identify as a Kenyan, a proud 6th generation African. Brought up in a family where ‘Being Human’ was the main principal belief. We have been raised with values that don’t differ greatly from those of the thousands of tribes that make up Africa – roots, heritage, family, faith, morals, principles and more.

Many years ago, I stood on stage at a speech writing contest in High School, where I described the strategy behind Muhamad Ali’s glorious win where he “floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee” against George Foreman, in the fight forever known as the ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ Years later, never even in my wildest imagination, did I imagine I would be living in the very ‘jungle’ itself, and working in the world of strategic storytelling and encouraging the amplification of Congolese voices and narratives far and wide across the globe from the heart of Africa.

Congo or as it was then called Zaire, a land that was stamped in the memory of the World as the place where Ali fought Foreman and caused a mighty Rumble in the boxing world. A battle that was immortalised in the song ‘In Zaire’ sung by Johnny Wakelin. Congo was a land everyone wanted to know about.

A land that is endowed with all the riches known to mankind. A blessed land, with a rich cultural heritage and a teeming, deserving population. A land sadly destroyed by its colonial past. Which, since its independence, is slowly trying to attain its rightful place in the World. It is here that I arrived five years back.

As I look back on my first five years of living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there have been moments of floating and very often, little stings. I moved to Kinshasa for love. In the beginning, I can honestly admit, it was not love for the city or the country or the people – I didn’t know enough about this 

ginormous country and the 100+ million people that fill its borders – it was personal love. But five years later, I never thought I could love a country and its people as though they were mine. That love comes from the heart that feels the mystic rhythm of the African land, and I couldn’t be prouder to call it home.

You can never shake the ancient dust of Africa off your boots – no matter how far and wide you travel.

Having lived in London for thirteen years followed by a few years in the Middle East, returning to Africa was natural. 

The love for Africa always remains in the soul. Living in the heart and soul of Central Africa, has been an adventure.

The narratives that have filled Western Media have sung a different song for many years, call it geo-politics, strategic positioning, economic control, all things aside, the story of the Congo has never really been told loudly by the Congolese themselves. From the outside looking in, the perceptions are dotted and plagued with negativity, but on the ground, the beating hearts of the Congolese are rumbling a little louder day by day towards progress, and it’s in these slivers of hope, that the true stories are revealed.

The stories that spotlight the young entrepreneur battling to build a viable business, young students carving out their careers currently into untapped and underdeveloped industries, the non-existent middle class that should build the private sector and contribute to its growth and the country’s economy, international investors building projects that create jobs and wealth for the locals as much as it does for the financial interest in the Congo. We can’t talk about changing the narrative of a country when we don’t discuss the positive changes that education, infrastructure developments, economic policies, universal health care, food self sufficiency etc can contribute towards developing Congo.

In Africa, a transformative era is on the horizon as the continent sets its sights on change and development like never before, and country examples like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco, and Kenya are a testament to these positive changes. A combined drive by the Africans to build an Africa by Africans for a future developed Africa. A daunting task as a fellow African who first arrived in Kinshasa for a two-week trip which quickly extended from month to month and snowballed into creating a business in the field of strategic advisory and communications. It was created around the simple premise – the African narrative needs to be written by the Africans, and the Congolese needed a platform for their voices to be heard as far and wide across the globe.

At the heart of Africa, the center of its soul, the Congolese beats are picking up. Business is quietly picking up, post the first peaceful democratic elections. As the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi embarks on his second mandate, the world waits with bated breath for the promised change and greater development, the impact of which can be felt across the entire population. Whether its infrastructure, governance reform, education, better health, access to basic needs – there are plenty of conversations to be had. Storytelling, an essential part of Congolese culture, an oral tradition that is filled with narratives, stories, and songs, need to be told from the perceptions and opinions of the Congolese.

In the past, and especially in 2023 the power and bias of the international media came to the forefront.

Geopolitics and powerful Media Houses controlled and amplified the narrative that in their perception was important. It’s only natural to question the visibility of certain global issues over another. This raises the question about the impact of our voices when catastrophes and issues affecting an African country are narrated differently. Whether it’s election, unrest or other catastrophes affecting an African country, sometimes the western media does not consider it newsworthy because they do not have an in-depth understanding and information of the issues and disasters that affects this Continent.

There are a lot of positive changes happening as well, and these news worthy developments need to be made a part of the Global narrative. Positive or negative these conversations need to be had openly and who better than the Africans to be at the forefront of this narrative. The true voices of the Congolese need to be heard from their heart and soul and from their perspective. That’s when the true picture of the reality of their lives, struggles and aspirations emerges.

There is a need for a platform where the Congolese voices and the African voices can be heard, where views can be freely given not as a negative but as a positive approach to help bring the DRC to take its rightful place, not just in Africa but also in the World. Is it not our experiences from around the world when put together with like minded individuals – where greatness begins? Where stories and narratives become the basis for legacies.

DRConversations is the platform created as a gift for all the voices that need to be heard, for all the emotions that need to be expressed and to bring forth the dreams and aspirations of a nation on the cusp of development. Join this journey by sharing openly your knowledge and experience to make DRC a happy, positive and progressive Nation.

It’s time for another rumble in the jungle – Welcome to the conversations from the Congo.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             KS