Tommy Tambwe Ushindi: An expected departure and a new era for the P-DDRCS
The “Disarmament Demobilization Community Recovery and Stabilization Program” (P-DDRCS) in the Democratic Republic of Congo underwent a major change recently with the departure of Tommy Tambwe Ushindi from his position as coordinator. This decision was welcomed as good news by socio-political actors in the province of Ituri.
Since his appointment as coordinator of the P-DDRCS, Tommy Tambwe Ushindi was far from unanimous. Its proximity to armed groups, notably the M23, was strongly criticized by influential figures such as the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr Mukwege. According to him, rewarding criminals instead of bringing them to justice encourages armed groups to continue their activities.
These doubts about the legitimacy of Tommy Tambwe Ushindi were reinforced during the Nairobi peace consultations in December 2022, where local armed groups disavowed his authority while adhering to the P-DDRCS. Faced with this situation, the President of the Republic made the decision to turn the page on Tommy Tambwe Ushindi, by appointing Jean Bosco Bahala as new coordinator.
This change was welcomed with relief by the active forces of Ituri, who consider the P-DDRCS as an important pillar for the province. However, certain political and notable actors are also calling for a renewal of the Ituri team, in order to ensure real progress in the program.
The departure of Tommy Tambwe Ushindi also raises questions about the future of the P-DDRCS, particularly with regard to the Wazalendo phenomenon, a local armed group active in the region. It remains to be seen whether the program will be revised to take into account this reality on the ground.
Despite these challenges, Ituri sees in the P-DDRCS an opportunity for stability and sustainable development for the province. However, problems persist, notably the non-payment of agents at the provincial coordination and territorial branches, more than a year after their engagement in the program.
It is important to note that the appointment of Tommy Tambwe Ushindi as head of P-DDRCS was also contested by civil society organizations and actors from South Kivu, who denounced this choice. Thus, his departure marks the end of a controversial period and ushers in a new era for the program.
In conclusion, the departure of Tommy Tambwe Ushindi from the coordination of P-DDRCS in Ituri is seen as good news by the active forces of the province. This change leaves room for new perspectives for the program, while emphasizing the need for a renewal of the team and a revision of the P-DDRCS to face current challenges, in particular the Wazalendo phenomenon.. Ituri looks forward to the actions of the new team to guarantee the stability and sustainable development of the province.