Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s bustling capital, woke up to an unusual calm this Wednesday, June 3, following the opposition’s call for a “dead city” strike to protest the government’s constitutional amendment proposal that would allow President Félix Tshisekedi to extend his mandate.

Typically vibrant by 3:00 AM, the city’s streets were eerily quiet this morning. Taxis were scarce, schoolchildren were absent from the streets, and most shops remained shuttered. The usual crowds causing monstrous traffic jams were nowhere to be seen.

In the Mont-Amba district, our reporter on the ground observed the Intendance Road near the University of Kinshasa completely devoid of its usual human tide. By 7:50 AM, no students were visible. Public transport stops stood empty, and gas stations hesitated to open—including the Salongo station.

Several police vehicles were seen heading toward the University of Kinshasa, while military jeeps patrolled the Bypass Avenue. The usually busy Ngaba roundabout remained nearly deserted until 8:00 AM.

In Limete, a commune known for its intense traffic on Lumumba and Poids Lourds boulevards, few people ventured out. Public transport was rare—only one bus operated until 7:00 AM, connecting to downtown, according to a resident from the Tshangu district. Many vehicle owners chose to keep their cars off the streets to avoid potential unrest. Police patrols were reinforced, with officers stationed at key points, particularly along the first street of Limete.