The city of Kinshasa is set to introduce a new traffic regulation system, with a mixed brigade being deployed on major roads starting Monday, November 9, 2026. This initiative, led by the Police nationale congolaise (PNC), aims to reduce congestion and improve adherence to traffic measures. The brigade will comprise elements from the city of Kinshasa, the Commission nationale de prévention routière (CNPR), and the Service national.
The deployment of the mixed brigade is in line with instructions from the 96th meeting of the Conseil des ministres, held on August 14, 2026. The meeting focused on creating a special plan for road traffic and securing the start of the school year. The ministries of Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs, as well as Transport, Communication, and Decongestion, have announced the implementation of this special operation in collaboration with the provincial government of Kinshasa and the CNPR.
The mixed brigade's primary mission will be to regulate traffic, ensure the application of measures decided by provincial authorities, and contribute to the decongestion of major city axes. One of the priority measures is to enforce the ban on certain vehicle categories using fast lanes leading to the airport, including buses, 207-type transport vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, and taxis. The brigade's elements will be deployed on major boulevards and axes, intervening in high-congestion areas to prevent bottlenecks and restore traffic flow.
Authorities aim to strengthen road discipline and ensure the effective application of traffic rules. Drivers and users are called upon to comply with brigade instructions and demonstrate civism. However, the tone of the official statement is firm towards those who refuse to comply, warning that sanctions will be taken against offenders who fail to respect new directives. This new system is being introduced as traffic congestion remains a significant mobility challenge in Kinshasa.
The mixed brigade's deployment is a collaborative effort between the PNC, the city of Kinshasa, CNPR, and the Service national. The authorities hope that this multisectoral approach will yield sustainable results on the city's busiest roads. With the start of the school year, the city's roads are expected to be more congested, making the brigade's intervention even more crucial.
The initiative has been welcomed by some residents, who hope it will bring much-needed relief from the city's notorious traffic jams. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential for corruption and the effectiveness of the brigade in enforcing traffic rules. To mitigate these concerns, authorities have emphasized the importance of discipline and civism among drivers and users.
As the mixed brigade begins its operations, residents and commuters will be watching closely to see if it can deliver on its promise to improve traffic flow and road safety in Kinshasa. The success of this initiative will depend on various factors, including the effectiveness of the brigade's operations, the level of cooperation from drivers and users, and the authorities' commitment to enforcing traffic rules.
Key points
- The mixed brigade will be deployed on major roads in Kinshasa to regulate traffic and enforce road safety measures.
