Congo police scandal: over 63,000 phantom officers uncovered

An unprecedented audit has exposed a massive irregularity within the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s national police force. The investigation revealed that 63,817 officers out of 157,886 registered personnel are either “fictitious” or “inactive,” leaving the force critically understaffed and unable to meet the country’s pressing security demands.

The audit’s findings highlight a severe financial and operational drain. These phantom officers are estimated to cost the government between $99.8 million and $233 million annually in wasted public funds. To address this, authorities have launched a sweeping verification initiative, starting in Kinshasa before expanding to the remaining 25 provinces. Each officer will undergo biometric registration to eliminate duplicates, fraudulent employees, and inactive personnel while creating a secure, centralized database for better payroll management and recruitment oversight.

a bold reform to restore trust and security

This crackdown is part of a broader modernization plan for the Congolese police, backed by a $2.55 billion budget allocated through 2030. The initiative includes plans to train and recruit 90,000 new officers, restructure security institutions, and strengthen police-community relations. These measures aim to rebuild public confidence amid escalating security concerns, particularly in Kinshasa, where armed robberies, kidnappings, and violent assaults have surged.

President Félix Tshisekedi has called for intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and accelerate reforms to enhance the efficiency of security forces. The reforms come as the government faces mounting pressure to address the country’s deteriorating security situation and restore public trust in its institutions.