Freedom ripples

The outrage when that Tshisekedi was proclaimed the victor in Congo’s election  was nearly universal:: there was convincing evidence that Fayulu had about 60% of the votes. What’s more Tshisekedi – lets call him Felix to make it easier – had no, literally no, experience.

But as the dust settled, the fact that a peaceful transfer of power had taken place, even if it wasn’t to the right person, was a truly remarkable fact. The first time EVER in the history of the Congo.

We didn’t expect much, but were very encouraged when he announced that political prisoners would be released. And then he announced a crack down on corruption, this, he made clear, was a new regime. The corrupt would be arrested.

Before long, stories of the massive scams perpetrated against the state were allowed to circulate without the journalists being arrested. The heads of the electricity company and the port authority were just the first of a long line to be arrested with maximum publicity.

Felix said something else: workers would, from now on, get paid. The days when the salaries of government and state utility workers would be paid months and months late were over.

That was music to the ears of a great many people. But when nothing happened – by which I mean that they still weren’t paid – they went on strike. That wasn’t what Felix had in mind. All the same, strikers were treated with respect, unlike previously when they would have been threatened and tear gassed by riot police.

What no one could have predicted is that the workers in the shops trading in fabrics and household equipment in the famous the Avenue de Commerce would have the same idea. Stories about bad treatment by mainly Lebanese and Indian owners abound – pay of only a few dollars a day, no allowances for leave or transport, etc – so they really do they have a strong case. And they felt sufficiently powerful, and sufficiently brave knowing that Felix would support their cause, to close down a whole street.

My guess is that they’ll all be sacked, but these days methinks they will have the labour department behind them which can enforce, when not bribed to do otherwise, some pretty hard deals. My employer sacked someone one day after the expiry of his probationary period and was forced to pay a whole year’s salary in compensation.

So, Felix, welcome. Keep it up!