In the early 1990s, Zaire had two so-called forces of order (forces de l'ordre) above the local level: the National Gendarmerie and the Civil Guard. In addition, several intelligence and security forces operated in support of the Mobutu regime. Their personnel arbitrarily arrest and imprison Zairians, although such responsibilities are not officially within their purview. Far from ensuring order, Zaire's forces of order and security forces contribute to the disorder and lawlessness prevailing in the early 1990s. At his behest, security forces loyal to Mobutu--especially the Civil Guard, which reportedly was paid more regularly than most other units--continued to harass the populace and the transitional government. In addition, individual officials continued to prey on the populace, extorting money and meting out arbitrary punishment.

Data as of December 1993