Kinshasa, July 12th, 2026 (CPA). – The use of civilians as guides or informants during police operations in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been banned by the Provincial Police Commissioner, during a meeting held at the Provincial Police Headquarters, according to a communiqué issued on Saturday. “The Provincial Commissioner of the Congolese National Police (PNC) for the city of Kinshasa, during a meeting with commanders of all police units, prohibited the use of civilian guides in the conduct of police operations. This practice, which consists of using civilians generally believed to be Kuluna gang members, is likely to tarnish the image of the police,” the communiqué from the Kinshasa Provincial Police Headquarters stated.
“This is a standing instruction. You must arrest, without leniency, anyone suspected of being a Kuluna, regardless of their status. However, in practice, your officers engage in the arbitrary arrest of innocent people because they expect them to pay for their release. They have even befriended these Kuluna, who have become their guides. Yet, the police are sufficiently well structured not to tolerate such practices,” Provincial Police Commissioner Israël Kantu was quoted as saying in the communiqué. In the statement, Mr. Kantu called on all police commanders to put an end to practices that undermine the image of the police force. According to him, all police officers are also required to observe strict discipline before apprehending individuals wearing prohibited uniforms or vests and jackets bearing the insignia of foreign police forces.
“For the City Police Commander, all police officers must carry out their primary mission with professionalism and discipline, namely ensuring the safety of the people of Kinshasa and protecting their property,” the communiqué concluded.