On National Road No. 1 (RN1) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the daily life of travelers has become perilous. Between Kikwit and Loange, a stretch of 205 kilometers is now under heightened surveillance. The Congolese government announced on May 12, 2026, the deployment of reconnaissance patrols to combat acts of vandalism and the increasing incidents of vehicle fires following accidents.

The RN1 is more than just a road; it is a vital artery connecting Kinshasa to several provinces. However, it is also the scene of frequent accidents that, according to Congolese authorities, are often followed by looting. An official statement emphasizes that these events have caused growing concern among users and local authorities.

The government spokesperson specified that these patrols aim to deter criminal acts and restore travelers' confidence in this strategic route. “It is essential to ensure constant surveillance to guarantee the safety of users,” he stated.

Drivers' accounts illustrate the urgency of the situation. One driver recounts: “I have already witnessed a looting after an accident. It is frightening to travel here without protection.” This climate of insecurity heavily impacts the local economy, particularly for transporters who fear for their lives and their goods.

To strengthen this initiative, Congolese authorities are also considering other measures to improve road safety. Among them are the installation of alert devices and increasing police presence on identified dangerous roads.

Recent history reminds us that the RN1 has already faced major challenges. In March 2019, a complete shutdown in Kikwit severely disrupted road traffic. The rehabilitation of infrastructure remains a crucial issue as it is often neglected.

In our previous reports, we documented how this emblematic road suffers from a chronic lack of maintenance, making any improvement difficult. The new patrols thus represent a first step towards a significant improvement in safety on this crucial route.

However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient to put an end to the scourge of looting and fully restore users' confidence.