The importance of training on the identification of small arms and light weapons in Beni (North Kivu)
In a context marked by armed violence and the proliferation of light and small arms, a three-day training course was held in Beni, in the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This training aimed to improve skills in weapons identification and documentation for members of the National Commission for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Reduction of Armed Violence (CNC-ALPC).
Organized by the MONUSCO arms embargo cell, this training is of crucial importance in the fight against armed violence. Indeed, it is essential to be able to identify and record illicit weapons that end up in the hands of unauthorized persons. This not only makes it possible to build a reliable database, but also to deter armed groups by depriving them of new weapons.
The main deputy head of the CNC-ALPC/Beni, Shishafu Rubuguzo Budjo, underlines the importance of these skills for the agents who will be deployed in the field: “We must know the weapon, how it works. When armed groups respond to the Head of State’s call to lay down their arms, it is crucial to identify and register them in order to prevent them from returning underground and fueling new armed conflicts.”
This training therefore allows members of the CNC-ALPC to be better prepared for the implementation of the PDDRC-S program which aims to encourage armed groups to lay down their arms and engage in reintegration processes. In cooperation with security forces such as the Congolese police and the DRC armed forces, this commission plays a key role in reducing armed violence and building lasting peace.
Faced with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, it is essential to strengthen control and awareness efforts. The training of CNC-ALPC members in the identification and documentation of weapons constitutes an important step in this approach. Thanks to their new skills, they will be able to actively contribute to building a more secure and peaceful country.
In conclusion, training on the identification of small arms and light weapons in Beni plays an essential role in the fight against armed violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By strengthening the skills of the members of the CNC-ALPC, it contributes to reducing the proliferation of weapons and building lasting peace.