Reintegration of ex-combatants in Eastern DRC: Pilot initiatives launched in Beni
The process of reintegration of ex-combatants in priority areas of the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a new important stage. The Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S) recently launched pilot reintegration initiatives in Beni, funded by MONUSCO through the Stabilization Coherence Fund and executed by the International Organization for Migration ( IOM).
The objective of these initiatives is to provide an employment opportunity to ex-combatants as well as vulnerable people recruited from the community, particularly women and young people. According to the PDDRC-S coordinator in North Kivu, Clovis Munihime Maheshe, different sectors are being put in place, ranging from labor-intensive work to learning trades that promote reintegration into the community of origin. .
It is important to emphasize that these initiatives are not only limited to ex-combatants, but also aim to support vulnerable people and local organizations. The project is designed to promote social cohesion by involving beneficiaries in manual work projects such as road rehabilitation, avenue cleaning, gutter cleaning and maintenance of sports infrastructure.
The community-based approach taken in these initiatives aims to stabilize the region as a whole. It is therefore crucial to include not only ex-combatants, but also all people at risk such as young people and women. Clovis Munihire emphasizes that this program will help absorb ex-combatants who have voluntarily surrendered their weapons, while promoting the recovery of communities at the base.
The pilot project for the reintegration of ex-combatants in the east of the DRC benefits from a total funding of six million dollars and is distributed between the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. It is part of a global policy to strengthen peace in the region and aims to facilitate the return of ex-combatants and their reintegration into their communities of origin. This initiative aims to promote peace and stability in the region.
Local and international authorities have welcomed these reintegration efforts and expressed their willingness to support the Congolese government in this process of restoring peace. Reintegrated ex-combatants will thus have the opportunity to actively contribute to social cohesion and the socio-economic recovery of their community, by generating income and promoting local development..
In conclusion, the pilot initiatives for the reintegration of ex-combatants in eastern DRC represent a significant step forward in efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region. These initiatives offer a concrete opportunity for social and economic reintegration for ex-combatants, thus helping to strengthen social cohesion and create a better future for all.