“United for Peace and Security” project: a promising initiative for the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, recently launched the “United for Peace and Security” project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Funded by the European Union and implemented by French expertise and the Belgian development agency (ENABEL), this project aims to strengthen governance, the rule of law and security sector reform in different areas. from the country.
This program is part of the continuation of fruitful cooperation between the European Union and the DRC, in particular through the EUSEC and PROGRESS projects. The “United for Peace and Security” project includes interventions in the cities of Kinshasa and Kananga, as well as in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, areas particularly affected by conflicts and insecurity.
The objectives of the project are multiple. First of all, it aims to support the implementation of army reform by strengthening the institutional framework, planning and monitoring of this reform. In addition, it supports the modernization of defense administration, by improving human resources management and promoting digitalization. The project also seeks to strengthen accountability and trust between the armed forces and the population, with emphasis on training in ethics and professional conduct, as well as the strengthening of defense sector control bodies.
Another important component of the project concerns strengthening the capacities of the army to ensure the protection of civilian populations in conflict zones, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. Finally, the project also provides for actions aimed at improving the care of victims by the military health corps and improving the living conditions of soldiers in the field.
The “United for Peace and Security” initiative was welcomed by the representative of the European Union in the DRC, who underlines its importance in fighting impunity, corruption and promoting lasting peace in the country. For its part, ENABEL, the Belgian development agency, welcomes its participation in this project which contributes to the reform of the Congolese defense system.
This project represents an essential step in the consolidation of peace and security in the DRC. By collaborating with international partners and mobilizing significant financial resources, the Congolese government is demonstrating its desire to implement essential reforms to ensure the stability and well-being of its population. Let us hope that this initiative bears fruit and contributes to opening a new era of peace and prosperity for the Democratic Republic of Congo.