An extensive audit of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of Congo has revealed a staggering discrepancy in personnel records. Out of 157,886 officially registered officers, 63,817 have been identified as either fictitious or inactive, creating a critical shortfall in operational capacity across the country.
The audit findings, presented to government officials, indicate that this irregularity has been draining public finances for years. With an estimated annual financial impact ranging from $99.8 million to $233 million, the situation has become unsustainable for a nation already grappling with security challenges.
In response, authorities have launched a nationwide verification campaign that combines physical identification with the issuance of biometric identification cards. The initiative will commence in Kinshasa before expanding to all 25 provinces, aiming to create a secure database that eliminates duplicates, ghost employees, and improves payroll management, recruitment, and promotions.
Security reforms under way
This audit is part of a broader modernization program for the National Police, set to continue until 2030 with a budget allocation of $2.55 billion. The plan includes recruiting and training 90,000 new officers, restructuring security institutions, and strengthening the relationship between police services and local communities.
The reforms come at a time when security concerns are rising, particularly in Kinshasa. Residents report a surge in armed robberies, kidnappings, and violent assaults. President Félix Tshisekedi has called for intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks while accelerating security sector reforms to restore public trust in law enforcement.
The government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency is evident in these measures, which aim to rebuild a police force capable of meeting the security demands of Africa’s second-largest country.