The security situation in Tanganyika continues to evolve with the imminent transfer of 250 militiamen from the Kilima armed group to the village of Kasambodo, 22 kilometers from the town of Kalemie. It was the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community and Social Reintegration Program (P-DDRCS) that announced this new stage in the region’s pacification process.
A delegation made up of members of the P-DDRCS and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) recently visited the Kasambodo site to assess the needs and prepare for the reception of the surrendered militiamen. The work consists in particular of demarcating an area of 245 hectares and building infrastructure to ensure decent living conditions for veterans.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the DDR Section of the United Nations Integrated Office are providing technical support to this work. A meeting was also held with the village chief of Kasambodo to promote the integration of this program within the local community.
This transfer of militiamen to Kasambodo is part of efforts to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate combatants from armed groups into civilian life. This is a crucial step for the pacification of the Tanganyika region and to enable former combatants to rebuild a life outside of military activities.
The announcement of this transfer is good news for the people of Tanganyika who yearn for peace and stability. It also demonstrates the efforts of the Congolese government and its international partners to end the insecurity plaguing the region.
It is important to emphasize that this type of approach cannot be limited solely to the disarmament and demobilization of combatants. It is also essential to put in place social and economic reintegration programs to enable former combatants to reintegrate into society in a sustainable manner.
The transfer of militiamen from the Kilima armed group to Kasambodo is a step towards the pacification of the Tanganyika region. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population