The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently announced its intention to modernize the process of obtaining a driving license, by implementing a biometric license system. This decision aims to combat fraud, strengthen road safety and improve the management of driver data.
The initiative, announced by the Minister of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, at the last Council of Ministers, follows the interruption of the driving license production process in 2017. A joint commission was formed to develop and analyze the new license issuance process, bringing together representatives of the National Office for Population Identification (ONIP), the General Directorate of Administrative, Judicial, Property and Participation Revenues (DGRAD), as well as a specialized service provider.
The introduction of biometric features in driving licenses will make the process of obtaining them more secure and limit the risks of document falsification. This measure responds to a need for modernization and reliability of driver data, thus contributing to better management of road traffic.
The partnership currently being finalized with the specialized service provider demonstrates the government’s desire to quickly implement this reform for the imminent issuance of secure driving licenses. By choosing to opt for a biometric system, the Congolese authorities are demonstrating their commitment to a more effective road safety policy, offering better protection to drivers and road users.
This initiative demonstrates an awareness of the importance of modernizing infrastructure and administrative services to meet current and future road safety challenges. By investing in advanced technologies such as biometrics, the government is demonstrating its desire to ensure a safer environment on Congolese roads, thus promoting the development of a culture of prevention and responsibility among drivers.
In conclusion, the implementation of the biometric driving license in the DRC represents a significant step forward in the field of road safety. By combining technological innovation and public policy, this reform should help reduce the risk of road accidents, combat fraud and improve the quality of administrative services related to driving.