The Democratic Republic of Congo faces major challenges in its eastern part, where local and foreign armed groups are active. To better coordinate efforts in support of the government and people of the DRC, the President of Namibia and Chairman of the SADC Organ on Political, Defense and Security Cooperation, Hage Gottfried Geingob, called for working together with other regional organizations at a summit held on May 8 in Windhoek.
The Extraordinary Troika Summit of SADC Bodies and Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) aims to strengthen regional and continental efforts to end insecurity in the east of the DRC. The Intervention Brigade (FIB), made up of 3,000 men and deployed in eastern DRC in 2013, is at the disposal of Monusco.
To capitalize on the achievements of the Intervention Brigade and neutralize negative forces, Hage Gottfried Geingob insisted on the need to build on the successes achieved through the FIB since March 2013. He called for the eradication of illegal armed groups, to secure and consolidate the territorial integrity and the future of the DRC, to achieve the socio-economic development objectives of the region.
SADC countries have offered their assistance to help the DRC stabilize its eastern part, where its territorial integrity is in danger. At the same time, several regional diplomatic initiatives have stalled. The M23 rebels have not completely left the occupied areas and the regional EAC force is not always on the offensive as planned. In the midst of discussions for the renewal of the regional force, Kinshasa is waiting to clarify the status of this force which, according to several observers, is sometimes complicit with the M23 rebels.
To ensure the safety of miners and the responsible exploitation of mining deposits, a mining tragedy in the DRC has highlighted the need to ensure the safety of people working in the mines, who are sometimes kept in deplorable conditions. Violence linked to romantic relationships has also taken a fatal turn in Mpata, underlining the urgency of acting against violent behavior and social constraints that particularly affect women.
In the DRC, the challenges to improving the education system are major, but innovative solutions are possible. It is essential to commit to inclusive education, where girls who are victims of social constraints are also taken into account. To succeed in this enterprise, the DRC must think outside the box for sustainable development, and improve access to drinking water, so necessary for a dignified life. Together, all the challenges can be met so that the Democratic Republic of Congo finds a climate of peace and stability, which will allow it to develop its full potential.