Police Nationale Congolaise expands recruitment while holding 578 suspects in Kinshasa

The Congolese National Police (PNC) began accepting applications from 300 young men and women aged 18‑35 in Tanganyika province on 31 July 2026. Candidates must submit identity documents, a good‑conduct certificate, a criminal‑record extract, a diploma and a single status certificate. The recruitment drive, backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the International Organization for Migration, aims to bolster police numbers and protect the population.

In a separate operation, PNC officers conducted a reinforced patrol in the Gombe district of Kinshasa on the night of 29‑30 July 2026, detaining 578 individuals suspected of disturbing public order. The sweep resulted in the arrest of 487 men, 50 women, 37 children and four people with mental‑health issues, and led to the disciplinary detention of 12 police officers for breaching orders. The police chief indicated that similar patrols will be extended to other city districts to reinforce state authority.