Safety in Kinshasa

Although Kinshasa offers many attractions, safety is not one of them.

All foreigners traveling to and residing in Congo-Kinshasa are urged to exercise caution and maintain security awareness at all times. While the April 2003 signing of peace accords between rebel groups and Congolese authorities has resulted in the formation of a power-sharing government of transition and a reduction of conflict throughout most of the country, Congo- Kinshasa remains unstable.

The United Nations has authorized up to 16,700 military personnel to deploy in the Congo and their operations in the east are ongoing. Prior to the upsurge in violence in May and June 2004, security had been improving in most areas where the U.N. Mission to the DRC (known by its French acronym, MONUC) has deployed. Elsewhere, it remains tenuous.

The security forces often act arbitrarily, and may themselves pose a threat to the population instead of protecting them. These forces are often the perpetrators of crimes, mainly armed robberies.

In the past, the previous government imposed curfews with minimal warning. While this practice has largely subsided, travelers should nevertheless check locally to confirm the current curfew status. Ferries to and from Brazzaville do not operate after 6:00 p.m. Travel in the downtown parts of Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi and most other major cities is generally safe during daylight hours.

The outlying areas are less secure due to the lack of adequate training/supervision of the security forces present and high levels of criminal activity. Travelers should avoid civil disturbances that may occur without warning in all areas, and have the potential to turn violent.

Both inside and outside Kinshasa, there can be military roadblocks, especially after dark. Vehicles are often searched for weapons, and travelers are checked for identity papers. Troops regularly seek bribes. If confronted with such a situation, it is suggested that you remain courteous and calm.

Crime
In Congo-Kinshasa, poor economic conditions continue to foster crime, especially in urban areas. Vehicle thefts, burglaries, and armed robbery occur throughout the country. Carjackings occur in some regions. If confronted by members of the military or security forces, visitors should be wary of permitting soldiers or police officers to enter their vehicles or of getting into the vehicle of anyone purporting to be a security official.

It is recommended that in such instances you remain courteous and calm and, if threatened, not resist. All incidents should be reported to your country's embassy in Kinshasa. Consistency in administering laws and regulations is notably absent. Travelers should note that in cases of theft and robbery, legal recourse is limited. Therefore, valuable items may be safer if kept at home or another secure location.