Ruairi Moriarty

I am in Kinshasa through until next weekend. During this time the best number to call me on is +243 81 663 5101.

The main commercial avenue in Kinshasa of 30 Juin (named after Independence Day) is exceptionally quiet for a central area in a capital city, even for a Sunday. There are few people or cars around on the street. The UN presence, which is still the largest of any country in the world, is little in evidence in the capital these days.

There is a suggestion that as their presence winds down here in the west of the country, their appetite for good quality residential and office buildings will be taken up by returning migrants in combination with the resurgent mining, telecommunications and banking sectors.

As elsewhere in Africa, there is a belief that as the world recession runs on, Kinshasa may see more inward investment than before.

There are only two hotels considered acceptable by western standards in the city, the Memling and the Grand. The standard Memling room rate is $335 per night. In terms of standard $120 might be more reasonable. It sits just off 30 Juin and has a ring of street hawkers around.  Their reaction suggests that few westerners venture out on foot.

The government has imposed since March 2009 an exit tax for international passengers of $50 per person. No stamp proving payment, no flight out.