Kinshasa,July 9, 2026 (TOP243NEWS)-The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, has ordered the strict enforcement of the permanent ban on the illegal use of flashing lights, multicolored emergency beacons, sirens, police or military escorts by civilians, as well as the circulation of vehicles with concealed license plates.
In an official directive dated July 6, 2026, the minister instructed the Congolese National Police (PNC) and all security services to rigorously enforce the measure across the country’s entire territory.
Through this decision, Shabani aims to put an end to widespread abuses that have disrupted road traffic, particularly in Kinshasa, where the unauthorized use of sirens, security escorts and hidden license plates has long been the subject of public criticism. The directive effectively revives a similar measure first announced in December 2025, whose implementation had remained largely ineffective.
The circular was addressed to the General Commissioner of the Congolese National Police, provincial governors, provincial police commissioners, and several state institutions. The objective is to restore state authority, ensure compliance with the country’s traffic regulations, and guarantee equal enforcement of the law without privileges for holders of high public office.
The decision is now seen as a major test for the country’s security services. Road users are expecting concrete enforcement actions to ensure that the measure applies to everyone—including senior public officials—in a bid to strengthen traffic discipline and enhance the credibility of public institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
By Mike Pakoto.