The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced the deployment of a mixed brigade to tackle traffic congestion in Kinshasa, the capital city. The brigade, which will be composed of elements from the city of Kinshasa, the National Road Safety Commission (CNPR), and the National Service (SN), will work in collaboration with the National Police to regulate traffic and reduce congestion. The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs, and the Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Unblocking.
The mixed brigade's primary mission will be to regulate traffic, enforce measures taken by provincial authorities, and contribute to the decongestion of major roads in the city. The brigade will focus on key areas, including the prohibition of buses, 207-type public transport vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, and taxis from using rapid routes leading to the airport. They will also intervene on major boulevards and roads to prevent congestion and restore traffic flow.
According to the official communiqué signed by Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo and Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, the brigade's deployment is in response to instructions given by the high hierarchy during the 96th meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 14, 2026. The instructions aimed to develop a special plan for road circulation and secure the start of the school year. The authorities have invited the population and drivers to comply with the instructions given by the brigade and to exercise civism and road discipline.
The decision to deploy the mixed brigade comes as Kinshasa faces significant traffic congestion, which has been attributed to rapid demographic growth, aging road infrastructure, and a constantly increasing vehicle fleet. The situation affects all four districts of Kinshasa and is exacerbated by a lack of road discipline among drivers. The consequences of congestion include delays, reduced productivity, and a decline in quality of life.
Previous measures to address congestion, such as "alternating circulation," have been lifted due to their ineffectiveness and the conflicts they generated. The authorities, under the instruction of President Félix Tshisekedi, had decided to lift this measure following complaints from the population of Kinshasa. The success of the new mixed brigade in addressing the city's traffic challenges remains to be seen.
The mixed brigade will intervene at "black spots" and areas of high congestion to prevent bottlenecks and restore traffic flow. They will also ensure that road rules are respected and that measures taken by competent authorities are enforced. The authorities have warned that firm measures will be taken against those who fail to comply with the new directives.
Clément MUAMBA reported that the population and drivers are expected to cooperate with the mixed brigade and adhere to road discipline. The authorities hope that this new measure will produce the desired results and alleviate the traffic congestion that has plagued Kinshasa for some time.
Key points
- The mixed brigade will work to regulate traffic and reduce congestion in Kinshasa.
- The brigade's deployment is a joint effort between several government ministries and agencies.
- The authorities have warned that firm measures will be taken against those who fail to comply with the new directives.
