Kinshasa Launches Joint Road Traffic Regulation Brigade

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced the establishment of a joint road traffic regulation brigade in Kinshasa, the country's capital. According to a joint statement by the Ministries of Transport and Interior, the brigade's main mission is to regulate road traffic, monitor compliance with measures adopted by provincial authorities, and help ease congestion on main roads. The brigade will begin operations on November 9, 2026.

The joint brigade will be responsible for enforcing the ban on using express roads leading to the airport for buses, public transport vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, and taxis. They will also regulate traffic on major boulevards and main roads, intervene at accident-prone spots and congested areas, and ensure compliance with the Highway Code. The brigade is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Homeland, Ministry of Transport, Kinshasa City-Province Governor's Office, and the National Road Safety Commission.

The establishment of the joint brigade is part of a larger plan to improve road traffic and security in Kinshasa. The plan was discussed during the Council of Ministers meeting on August 14, 2026. The authorities have urged drivers and road users to comply with instructions given by deployed officers and demonstrate civic responsibility and road discipline. Strict measures have been put in place for offenders who fail to comply with these directives.

Jean-Pierre Bemba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of Transport, and Shabani Lukoo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Homeland, jointly signed the statement announcing the brigade's establishment. The authorities aim to ease congestion on Kinshasa's roads and improve road safety. The joint brigade will work to prevent traffic jams and restore smooth traffic flow in heavily congested areas.

The National Service will support the joint brigade in its operations. The authorities have warned that strict measures will be taken against offenders who fail to comply with the directives. The implementation of the joint brigade is expected to improve road discipline and reduce traffic congestion in Kinshasa.

The joint brigade's establishment is a collaborative effort between various government agencies and commissions. The Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Homeland are working together to ensure the success of the brigade. The authorities are committed to improving road safety and traffic management in Kinshasa.

The launch of the joint brigade is a significant step towards improving road traffic regulation in Kinshasa. The authorities are urging road users to cooperate with the brigade and adhere to traffic laws. The establishment of the joint brigade demonstrates the government's commitment to improving road safety and reducing traffic congestion in the capital city.

Key points

• The joint brigade will enforce the ban on using express roads leading to the airport for buses, public transport vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, and taxis.
• The brigade will regulate traffic on major boulevards and main roads, and intervene at accident-prone spots and congested areas.
• The authorities have warned that strict measures will be taken against offenders who fail to comply with the directives.