In Lubumbashi, a soldier from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) caused alarm after he and his family occupied a government school still under construction. For months, he stayed inside the school compound, claiming the building as his property and blocking normal work.
The incident happened in the Kilimansimba neighborhood, Haut-Katanga Province, where the school was being built by Lubumbashi city authorities.
Soldier Claimed the School as His
According to reports by Radio Okapi, the soldier used a loudspeaker in the community, telling residents that the school belonged to him. He even announced that children would soon start registering for classes under his control.
Local residents were confused and concerned, seeing a public school turned into a private home. They eventually informed Lubumbashi city authorities about the situation.
Authorities Take Action
After receiving complaints, the interim mayor of Lubumbashi, Patrick Nsimbi, visited Kilimansimba to see the problem himself. He ordered the soldier and his family to immediately leave the school compound.
On October 2, 2025, local authorities removed the soldier from the premises. He was arrested on charges of illegally taking over state property.
Why This Case Matters
This unusual case highlights a bigger issue in some parts of the DRC: disputes over public land and buildings. Public schools are meant to serve children and communities, yet in this case, one individual tried to claim it for personal use.
The Lubumbashi city government has promised to continue with the school construction project so that children in Kilimansimba can soon benefit from proper classrooms.
Voices from the Community
Residents said they were relieved after the soldier was removed. Many parents were worried that the school project might be delayed, but local leaders reassured them that the construction will go on as planned.
One parent said: “We want our children to study in safe classrooms. The government school must be for all of us, not one person.”
Conclusion
The arrest of the soldier shows the importance of protecting public resources. State schools are for the community, and no one is allowed to take them over. The Lubumbashi authorities acted quickly to return the school to the people and ensure the project continues.
