Gombe, Kinshasa Explained

Gombe
Official Name:Commune de Gombe
Type:Commune
Image Map1:Democratic Republic of the Congo (26 provinces) - Kinshasa.svg
Map Caption1:Kinshasa city-province on map of DR Congo
Mapsize1:270
Coordinates:-4.3031°N 15.3033°W
Coordinates Footnotes:[1]
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:City-Province
Subdivision Name1:Kinshasa
Area Total Km2:29.33
Population Footnotes:[2]
Population As Of:2014 est.
Population Total:49024
Population Density Km2:auto

Gombe (formerly known as Kalina), also known as La Gombe, or Downtown Kinshasa, is one of the 24 communes of Kinshasa, in the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).[3] Encompassing a vast area of approximately 29.33 square kilometers (11.32 square miles), it is home to an approximate population of 49,024 residents (2014).[4] [5]

Functioning as both a residential area and a central business district, Gombe houses several key government institutions of the DRC, including the Palais de la Nation, the Central Bank of the Congo, various ministries, media organizations, and diplomatic representations. Gombe serves as the epicenter for the DRC's leading financial establishments, the hub of its business activities, and the headquarters of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).[6] [7]

Originally housing colonial administrative offices, cités indigènes, neighborhoods meant for non-colonists, formed around the area. Now it is the fastest-growing municipality (commune) in Kinshasa.[8] According to a 2014 study by the U.S. research firm Mercer, Gombe is the most expensive place to live in Africa and globally.[9]

Development has increased significantly following 2021 with many new buildings being constructed near Avenue de Colonel Tshatshi including the newly constructed Kinshasa Financial Center and the Galeries de la Fontaine Shopping Mall.[10]

Geographic location

The geographical boundaries of Gombe were formally established through Order No. 69-0042, promulgated on June 23, 1969. This legal decree delineates the commune's perimeters, marked by both natural and anthropogenic features:

Northeast

To the north and east, Gombe's boundaries are defined by the natural border of the Congo River. The delineation originates at the point closest to the confluence of the Congo River and the Gombe River, extending to the nearest junction where the Congo River converges with the Funa River.[11] From this juncture, the boundary follows the course of the Funa River until it intersects with the Matadi–Kinshasa Railway.[12]

South

Towards the southwards, it tracks the railway to the Bitshiaku-Tshiaku River, marking an essential transition along the southern periphery. The border then traces the Bitshiaku-Tshiaku River to Tabora Avenue's extended axis. It continues to Avenue du Télégraphe, merging with Avenue Bokasa, then Avenue Rwakadingi, Village, Lualaba, Wangata, and Mont des Arts Avenues. It connects to Avenue Victimes de la Rébellion, Avenue Du 24 Novembre, ending at Camp Lt Col Kokolo.

West

Heading westwards, the boundary goes from Camp Lt Col Kokolo to the high voltage line, descending to the Gombe River and its tributary meeting the Congo River. A conduit links the tributary to the Republic of Congo's nearest border point.

History

Before European colonialists arrived, the fishing village of Nshasa (now Kinshasa) was founded and inhabited by the Teke and Humbu people along the Congo River.[13] [14] Henry Morton Stanley established a trading post adjacent to the village and named it Léopoldville (modern-day Kinshasa) after signing a treaty with the Teke chief Ntsuvila in 1887.[15] [16] With the completion of the Matadi-Kinshasa Railway, connecting the post to the port of Matadi near the Atlantic Ocean in 1898, and the construction of an oil pipeline in 1914, Léopoldville grew into a city.[17] [18] The city extended eastward, covering the entire right bank of the Boulevard Du 30 Juin, stretching from the Kinshasa Central Station to the National Pedagogical University. An exclusive European-style district, accessible only to white people, was established and named the "Kalina District," honoring Lieutenant E. Kallina, an Austro-Hungarian soldier who served in the Force Publique.[19]

In 1957, Léopoldville underwent administrative division into communes, and the former Kalina District became one of the inaugural 13 communes of Léopoldville. The transformation was formalized through the March 26, 1957 decree, appointing Belgian Robert Van Heck as the burgomaster (fr. bourgmestre) of the Kalina commune. Later, Mr. Ikama assumed leadership on June 30, 1960, following post-independence changes, a role he dutifully fulfilled until 1968.

Gombe derives its name from the Gombe River, which encircles seven communes at the heart of the city, a term borrowed from the traditional ruler "Humbu," who once governed the contemporary territory of Selembao in Kinshasa's southwest. Following the nation's independence from Belgium and the city's renaming to Kinshasa during Mobutu Sese Seko's authenticité-driven policies, the name Kalina was replaced with Gombe In October 1971. Some notable former burgomasters of Gombe are Catherine Nzuzi Wa Mbombo (1968-1970), Marie-Rose Kasa-Vubu (1971-1974), Mabanza Tukalakiese (1977-1982), and Albert-Joseph Kasongo Wa Kapinga (1982-1988).

Government and infrastructure

Gombe accommodates some of the DRC's principal governing bodies, including the Palais de la Nation and the Central Bank of the Congo on the Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi. Various ministries, diplomatic and media organizations are also situated in Gombe.[20] Kinshasa's City Hall and Provincial Assembly are both located in Gombe. Parenthetically, the DGM of the Ministry of the Interior and Security is located in Gombe, as well as the headquarters of the BPEA, an agency of the Ministry of Transport and Channels of Communication.[21] MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping force, is strategically located in Gombe.[22] The Boboto College is a prominent education institution located in Gombe[23]

The Régie de Distribution d'Eau (REGIDESO), the national water utility enterprise, is located on Boulevard Du 30 Juin in Gombe,[24] whereas the Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNEL), the national electricity company, also has its headquarters here.[25] Gare de l'Est, the principal train station, is conveniently situated in Gombe. The Kinshasa Financial Center, housing significant institutions such as the Ministries of Finance and Budget, various General Directorates, the General Inspectorate of Finance, the General Secretariat of Finance, and the Development Bank, is the largest financial complex in the DRC and is based in Gombe.[26] [27]

Kinshasa General Hospital, one of the largest and most well-known hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is headquartered in Gombe.[28]

The state-owned Société Commerciale des Transports et des Ports (SCPT) is headquartered in Gombe, overseeing transportation and port management.[29] The Collège des Hautes Études de Stratégie et de Défense (CHESD) is the premier institution for strategic and defense studies, strategically positioned in Gombe.[30] The Hôtel du Gouvernement, an administrative edifice along Boulevard du 30 Juin, serves as the headquarters for numerous central government ministries and public services.[31] Incidentally, Gombe houses Lycée Bosangani (Bosangani High School),[32] Institut National de Sécurité Sociale (INSS),[33] Centre Médical de Kinshasa (CMK),[34] and Palais de la Justice.[35]

Attractions

Académie des Beaux-Arts (ABA)

The Académie des Beaux-Arts (Academy of Fine Arts), located in Gombe, is an educational institution that focuses on teaching visual and applied arts. The academy encompasses the areas of Avenue de la Libération, Avenue de La Science, and Avenue de la River and is surrounded by a park where visitors can view original sculptures, oil paintings, and other student-made objects on display. Additionally, tourists can witness artists at work and engage in conversations with them.[36] [37]

The academy was established in 1943 by Belgian missionary Marc Stanislas Wallenda in Gombe-Matadi in the Kongo Central Province. Originally called "École Saint-Luc," it started as a sculpture workshop due to the abundance of wood in the region. In 1949, the Saint Luc school was relocated to Léopoldville (Kinshasa) and was renamed "Académie des Beaux-Arts" in 1957. Over time, new options were added, including painting (1950), ceramics (1953), Beaten Metal (1971), advertising (1970), interior decoration (1970), and the conservation and restoration of works of art (2013).

Today, the academy provides a training environment and a platform for experimentation and exhibitions in Gombe, allowing students to develop their artistic personalities.

Marché Central

The Kinshasa Central Market, referred to as the Zando in Lingala, is a bustling and dynamic marketplace in Gombe. It is one of the liveliest markets in Kinshasa with market activity spilling over into the neighboring streets of the Kinshasa and Barumbu communes. The market is well known for its wide assortment of products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, locally sourced meat and fish, clothing, fabrics, shoes, accessories, and household goods. The market also offers unique Congolese handicrafts and souvenirs for tourists and visitors alike.[38] [39] [40]

Jardin Botanique

The Jardin Botanique is a botanical garden in Gombe, opposite the Jardin Zoologique. Covering an area of seven hectares, It features a diverse collection of 286 plant species, including baobabs, mangoes, bananas, papayas, and coffee.[41] [42] The garden is maintained by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature; ICCN). Initially established in 1933 under the name Fernand De Boeck Park in the capital of the Belgian Congo, it was neglected for many years until the early 2000s when it was restored with the help of various organizations such as the European Union, International Union for Conservation of Nature, National Botanical Garden of Belgium, and NGO Friends of Nature and Gardens. Now, it serves as a platform for environmental education activities and boasts over 100 species of trees.

Beach Ngobila

Beach Ngobila (referred to by locals as simply Beach) serves as a port for passengers traveling across the Congo River between Kinshasa and Brazzaville. It is located near the islet Ile aux Pierres and the Kinshasa East railway station. The port is managed by Société Commerciale des Transports et des Ports (SCPT) in partnership with the former Agence Transcongolaise des Transports to ensure smooth operations.[43] [44] [45]

Mémorial du Soldat Congolais

The Mémorial du Soldat Congolais is a memorial located at the FORESCOM Roundabout in Gombe. It was erected to commemorate the Congolese soldiers who were instrumental in shaping the country's history. It represents remembrance, honor, and patriotism, and offers visitors a space to reflect on and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. Every year on May 17, it is commemorated with great reverence.[46] [47] [48]

Economy

Gombe is a bustling economic center that hosts numerous influential companies and organizations. Among them, the CMCT TCG is the country's first integrated marketing and communication agency group, offering personalized services.[49] Gombe is home to the Congo Trade Center, a towering skyscraper and one of the largest shopping centers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[50] [51] Parenthetically, Congo Tech Network ASBL, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the burgeoning Congolese tech ecosystem, fosters innovation and technology in the area.[52]

The Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Franco-Congolaise à Kinshasa (CCIFC), a non-profit organization established in 1987 by French and Congolese entrepreneurs, plays a vital role in fostering economic and commercial ties between French and Congolese enterprises in Gombe.[53] The most prominent development bank in the country, Société Financière de Développement (SOFIDE), also has its headquarters in Gombe.[54] [55]

The commune is a hub for essential services and industries. The headquarters of the Congolese Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, a pivotal player in the nation's communication infrastructure, is based in Gombe.[56] Feronia Inc., a multinational corporation specializing in palm oil and agricultural products, also has its base in Gombe.[57] The RTNC Congo Building, which houses the headquarters of Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC), is also strategically located in Gombe.[58]

Transportation and logistics thrive in Gombe, with the headquarters of Société Commerciale des Transports et des Ports (SCTP), a key player in rail, river, and port operations.[59] In addition, Gombe accommodates the headquarters of Congo Airways—the state-owned flag carrier airline of DRC—and Stellar Airways.[60] [61] In the financial sector, it is home to the Central Bank of the Congo, the country's central monetary authority responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policies.[62] [63]

Gombe is also a regional headquarters for several international and African companies and organizations, including Huawei, Vodacom Congo, Airtel Congo, and Orange RDC. Consequently, the commune serves as a hub for telecommunications, enhancing connectivity and communication across the region.[64] [65] [66] [67] Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo (EquityBCDC), a subsidiary of the Kenyan Equity Group Holdings, has its headquarters in Gombe.[68] [69] The United Nations' MONUSCO also has its headquarters in Gombe.[70]

Education

Both campuses of the French international school, Lycée Français René Descartes Kinshasa, are in Gombe: Site Gombe and Site Kalemie; the latter is across from the residence of the Ambassador of France.[71]

Lycée Prince de Liège, a Belgian international school, is in Gombe.[72]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo . Google Maps . 20 August 2011 .
  2. Web site: Kinshasa : la population de la commune de la Gombe estimée à 49.024 habitants . mediacongo.net .
  3. Book: Institut National de la Statistique–RD Congo . Annuaire Statistique RDC 2017 . 2019 . 9 Sep 2020 . p. 36 Tableau 1.2 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200614222103/http://ins.mkbco.pro/Portals/0/OpenContent/Files/19172/ANNUAIRE_STATISTIQUE_2017_.pdf#page=36 . 14 June 2020 . fr . live.
  4. Book: Under Siege, Four African Cities, Freetown, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, Lagos: Documenta 11, Platform 4 . Hatje Cantz . 2002 . 9783775790901 . Enwezor . Okwui . Berlin, Germany . 254 . English.
  5. Web site: Kinshasa : la population de la commune de la Gombe estimée à 49.024 habitants . Kinshasa: the population of the commune of Gombe estimated at 49,024 inhabitants . 2023-08-14 . www.mediacongo.net . French . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  6. News: Tilouine . Joan . 2019-07-18 . En RDC, la Gombe, une insolente enclave de riches au cœur de la misère de Kinshasa . fr . Le Monde.fr . 2023-09-20.
  7. Web site: August 15, 2015 . Journal Première parties Officiel de la République Démocratique du Congo: Cabinet du Président de la République . Journal First parts Official of the Democratic Republic of Congo: Office of the President of the Republic . 2023-09-20 . Leganet.cd . French . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  8. Book: De Boeck, Philip . Kinshasa: Tales of the Invisible City . September 2014 . Leuven University Press . 978-9058679673.
  9. Web site: Housing: Kinshasa is for the rich . 2023-08-14 . The Africa Report.com . en.
  10. Web site: July 10, 2023 . Mode: Réouverture de la nouvelle boutique “African style” de Woodin, partenaire officiel VLISCO Congo . Fashion: Reopening of the new "African style" store from Woodin, official VLISCO Congo partner . June 25, 2024 . Mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  11. Web site: Mushizi . Gulain Amani . 2013 . Amélioration de la mobilité à l'hyper centre de Kinshasa et stratégies de réduction de la forte centralité . Improvement of mobility in the hyper center of Kinshasa and strategies to reduce high centrality . August 14, 2023 . Institut Supérieur d'Architecture et d'Urbanisme . French . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  12. Web site: 2017-06-17 . Historique . 2023-08-14 . Commune de la Gombe . fr-FR . Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  13. Web site: Kinyamba . S. Shomba . Nsenda . F. Mukoka . Nonga . D. Olela . Kaminar . T.M. . Mbalanda . W. . . 2015 . Monographie de la ville de Kinshasa . 2023-08-15 . Institut Congolais de Recherche en Développement et Etudes Stratégiques (ICREDES) . 13–28 . French . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  14. News: Bukasa . Tshieke T. . Bongeye W'.m . Joachim . August 13, 2003 . Congo-Kinshasa: Kinshasa, ce village d'hier . French . AllAfrica . 2023-08-15.
  15. Book: Ness, Immanuel . Encyclopedia of World Cities . Taylor & Francis . September 19, 2017 . 9781317471585 . Thames, Oxfordshire United Kingdom . English.
  16. Book: Vansina, Jan . The Tio Kingdom of The Middle Congo: 1880-1892 . Taylor & Francis . September 3, 2018 . 9780429941399 . Thames, Oxfordshire United Kingdom . English.
  17. Book: The City Reader . Taylor & Francis . July 16, 2015 . 9781317606277 . Stout . Frederic . Thames, Oxfordshire United Kingdom . 397–399 . English . LeGates . Richard T..
  18. Book: Timberg . Craig . Tinderbox: How the West Sparked the AIDS Epidemic and How the World Can Finally Overcome It . Halperin . Daniel . Penguin Publishing Group . March 2012 . 9781101560617 . United States . English.
  19. Book: Riegel . Ralph . Missing in Action: The 50 Year Search for Ireland's Lost Soldier . O'Mahony . John . 2010-08-23 . Mercier Press Ltd . 978-1-85635-737-1 . Cork, Ireland . 62 . en.
  20. News: 2019-07-18 . En RDC, la Gombe, une insolente enclave de riches au cœur de la misère de Kinshasa . fr . Le Monde.fr . 2023-08-02.
  21. "Contacts ." Direction Générale de Migration. Retrieved on 4 March 2013. "65, Boulevard du 30 juin, Commune de la Gombe Ville de Kinshasa, R.D.Congo"
  22. Web site: 2018-11-24 . Medias Contacts . 2023-09-08 . MONUSCO . en.
  23. Web site: Collège Boboto . 2023-09-08 . congopro.com . French.
  24. Web site: Site Web de la Regideso SA . 2023-09-08 . Regideo-rdc.com . en.
  25. Web site: SNEL – Société Nationale d'Electricité à Kinshasa Gombe . SNEL – National Electricity Company in Kinshasa Gombe . 2023-09-08 . Dematco.net . fr-FR.
  26. Web site: September 16, 2023 . Le Centre financier de Kinshasa sera inauguré le 2 décembre (Constructeur) . The Kinshasa Financial Center will be inaugurated on December 2 (Constructor) . December 20, 2023 . Radio Okapi . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  27. Web site: Massala . Rodrigue Fénélon . November 11, 2022 . RDC: Félix Tshisekedi visite le chantier de la future place financière de Kinshasa . DRC: Félix Tshisekedi visits the construction site of the future financial center of Kinshasa . December 20, 2023 . Financial Afrik . fr-FR.
  28. Web site: Hôpital Général de Kinshasa . 2023-09-08 . www.bizcongo.com . French.
  29. Web site: République Démocratique du Congo: Société commerciale des transports et des ports . 2023-09-08 . Sctp-sa-rdc.online . French.
  30. Web site: July 28, 2017 . Joseph Kabila inaugure le collège de hautes études des stratégies et de défense à Kinshasa . Joseph Kabila inaugurates the college of advanced studies of strategies and defense in Kinshasa . September 8, 2023 . Radio Okapi . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  31. Web site: Kasongo . Ivan . April 1, 2020 . RDC-Covid-19: l'opération de décontamination de l'immeuble du gouvernement débute ce jeudi . DRC-Covid-19: the decontamination operation of the government building begins this Thursday . September 8, 2023 . Actualite.cd . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  32. Web site: Lycée Du Sacré Coeur et Bosangani à Gombe . 2023-09-08 . Pagesclaires.com . French.
  33. Web site: Institut National de Sécurité Sociale (INSS) . 2023-09-08 . Pages Claires . en.
  34. Web site: Centre Médical de Kinshasa . 2023-09-08 . cmk-cd.org . French.
  35. Web site: Mwamba . Alexis Thambwe . 2017-10-02 . Public Annex . 2023-09-08 . Icc-cpi.int . 2 . English.
  36. Web site: Académie des Beaux-Arts . 2023-08-02 . KINO . fr-FR.
  37. Web site: Notre Histoire – Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa . 2023-08-02 . fr-FR.
  38. News: Coronavirus : " Le marché central est aussi concerné par le confinement " (Gentiny Ngobila) . 3 September 2023 . . 3 April 2020 . fr.
  39. Web site: pem . 2020-09-08 . Kinshasa : construit en 1970 pour 3500 places, le marché central de Kinshasa accueil aujourd'hui 20.000 vendeurs . 2023-08-02 . Tsieleka . fr-FR.
  40. Web site: 2020-06-29 . Déconfinement à Gombe en RDC: le désespoir des vendeurs du marché central qui reste fermé . 2023-08-02 . RFI . fr.
  41. Web site: Lequotidien . 2023-04-03 . Sumo: La F.N.C.SU/D.A a tenu son Assemblée générale ordinaire au Jardin Botanique de Kinshasa - lequotidienrdc.com . 2023-08-02 . fr-FR.
  42. Web site: 2022-05-23 . Kinshasa botanical garden . 2023-08-02 . Emilio in Congo (DRC) . en.
  43. Web site: Centre Médical de Kinshasa . 2023-08-02 . Manje Health . en-US.
  44. Web site: 2023-05-26 . Fronteira entre Congo e RD Congo tem travessia de rio e estresse . 2023-08-02 . Sem chaves . pt-BR.
  45. Web site: Info . Afrique . 2021-12-09 . Contrôle des services sanitaire aux frontières : Véronique Kilumba inspecte les mouvements des voyageurs au Beach Ngobila et à l'aéroport de N'djili . 2023-08-02 . Afrique info magazine . fr-FR.
  46. Web site: 17 mai, désormais journée d'hommage aux soldats congolais. . 2023-08-02 . TOP CONGO FM.
  47. Web site: Actualité Kinshasa: le rond-point Forescom en passe de porter le mémorial du soldat congolais . 2023-08-02 . www.mediacongo.net.
  48. Web site: Digitalcongo.net Commandant suprême, Félix Tshisekedi se recueille devant le "Mémorial du soldat congolais" . 2023-08-02 . www.digitalcongo.net.
  49. Web site: CMCT TCG - Marketing & Advertising - Overview, Competitors, and Employees . 2023-08-03 . Apollo.io.
  50. Web site: CTC Trade Centre Kinshasa Congo . 2023-08-03 . www.alterego.co.rs.
  51. Web site: Page CONGO TRADE CENTER . 2023-08-03 . www.kointikoin.com . FR.
  52. Web site: 2019-09-07 . RDC : l'ASBL Congo Tech Network prête à assurer la promotion de la technologie congolaise dans le monde . 2023-08-03 . 7sur7.cd . fr.
  53. Web site: CCI FRANCO CONGOLAISE - chambre de commerce france Franco-congolaise Bizcongo . 2023-08-03 . www.bizcongo.com . fr.
  54. Web site: 2018-09-12 . Accueil - SOFIDE . 2023-08-03 . fr-FR.
  55. Web site: 2021-04-06 . About Sofide - SOFIDE . 2023-08-03 . en.
  56. Web site: SCPT – Société Congolaise de Postes et Télécommunication . 2023-08-03 . SCPT . fr-FR.
  57. Web site: Feronia Inc. . 2023-08-03 . feronia.com.
  58. Web site: 2015-09-24 . RTNC Congo Building, Kinshasa 231674 EMPORIS . 2023-08-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144722/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/231674/rtnc-congo-building-kinshasa-democr-rep-congo . 24 September 2015 .
  59. Web site: 2009-06-19 . Office National des Transports - Accueil . 2023-08-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090619204134/http://www.onatra.info/ . 19 June 2009 .
  60. Web site: Congo Airways - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees, Headquarters Locations . 2023-08-03 . www.cbinsights.com.
  61. "Contact Us." Stellar Airways. Retrieved on 4 March 2013. "98225, Avennue Kabasele (ex-Flambeau) Rez de Chausée, Gombe-Kinshasa République Démocratique du Congo"
  62. Web site: Banque Centrale du Congo . 2023-08-03 . www.bcc.cd.
  63. Web site: 2015-08-12 . Central Bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo - Central Banking . 2023-08-03 . www.centralbanking.com . en.
  64. Web site: Olander . Eric . 2021-09-27 . Now It's Huawei That's in Trouble in the DR Congo . 2023-08-03 . The China Global South Project . en-US.
  65. Web site: Vodacom RDC . 2023-08-03 . www.vodacom.cd.
  66. Web site: DRC's leading provider of prepaid, postpaid mobile, & 4G services. Recharge your prepaid mobile & pay your postpaid bills online. . 2023-08-03 . Airtel.
  67. Web site: Page d'accueil . 2023-08-03 . Orange République Démocratique du Congo . fr-FR.
  68. Web site: 2020-12-31 . Equity Group gets approval to merge two banks in DRC . 2023-08-03 . Business Daily . en.
  69. Web site: One year after the merger, EquityBCDC's results show exponential growth. 2023-08-03 . equitygroupholdings.com.
  70. Web site: 2018-11-24 . Medias Contacts . 2023-08-03 . MONUSCO . en.
  71. "Accueil." Lycée Français René Descartes Kinshasa. 15 November 2015. Retrieved on 8 December 2017. "Site GOMBE Avenue de la Gombe Kinshasa République Démocratique du Congo" and "Site KALEMIE Avenue Kalemie. En face de la résidence de l'Ambassadeur Kinshasa République Démocratique du Congo" - The French embassy states : "a Résidence de France se situe également dans le quartier de la Gombe, au 22 rue Kalemie."
  72. "Accueil ." Lycée Prince de Liège. Retrieved 26 October 2015. "Lycée Prince de Liège (Ecole belge), Av. de la Gombe, Kinshasa (Gombe)"