Article 15: The Unwritten Constitution of the Congo

When the state provides nothing, you seize what you can and invent the rest. To exist in Kinshasa is to live by Article 15: Débrouillez-vous. Explore the unwritten constitution of the Congo, where the daily hustle dictates everything from a policeman’s traffic ticket to the art sold in local ateliers. Step off the main boulevards to discover how this relentless pressure acts as the invisible gears keeping millions alive while the elites watch from the hills.

March 20, 2026

By Skander Kacem

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Reportage

Catch Fétiche: A Night Inside Kinshasa’s “Voodoo Wrestling” Scene

We thought we were going to watch a wrestling match. Instead, we ended up front row at catch fétiche: a baby coffin set on fire, smoke and panic in our faces, live snakes escaping into the crowd, and opponents moving like puppets under spells. Funny, cruel, chaotic and strangely beautiful in its imperfections.

January 15, 2026

By Skander Kacem

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Behind the Work

Common Ground: Claude Bosana’s “Intérêt Commun”

In “Intérêt Commun,” Claude Bosana transforms an unlikely scene – a tiger and bonobo sharing a cigarette – into a powerful metaphor for political unity. Through vibrant colors and playful details, the Kinshasa-based artist delivers a compelling message about setting aside differences for the common good. Click the link and explore the full story behind this thought-provoking artwork.

January 24, 2025

By Skander Kacem

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