Kinshasa Police Chief Bans Use of Civilian Informants

The Provincial Commissioner of the Congolese National Police in Kinshasa announced a permanent ban on employing civilians as scouts, guides or informants in police operations. The decision, made at a command meeting with all unit commanders, cited the practice’s negative impact on the police’s image and credibility, as well as the risk of arbitrary arrests and abuse.

The commissioner emphasized that police actions must be carried out solely by sworn officers, calling for stricter discipline and prohibiting officers from wearing foreign police insignia. The measure aims to reinforce professionalism, ethical standards, and public trust amid ongoing urban insecurity in the capital.