Title: Coordination of partners to the rescue: A crucial mission for South Kivu
In the heart of the South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a wave of optimism and commitment has swept through following the visit of the DRC partners coordination group. These key actors, under the leadership of Bruno Le Marquis, humanitarian coordinator, conducted in-depth interviews with various civil society entities, local, national and international organizations, as well as local authorities. At the heart of their discussions, the issues linked to the imminent disengagement of MONUSCO and the transition towards reinforced autonomy.
The observation is unanimous: South Kivu is still faced with a multitude of security and logistical challenges which hamper the well-being of local populations. Risks remain present, whether it is continued instability by armed groups, difficulties in accessing infrastructure or persistent administrative shortcomings. In this context, the need to strengthen state authority in all regions of the province is an essential priority.
Local and national actors are calling for a renewed focus on population security and the establishment of early warning mechanisms to anticipate potential crises. The roadmap unveiled by the provincial government, requiring a substantial investment of $58 million, aims to fill the void left by the imminent departure of MONUSCO. However, voices from civil society express reservations about its effective implementation and call for increased involvement in the process.
The Congolese national police welcome MONUSCO’s past efforts while recognizing current challenges related to security and public order. The urgency of a smooth and successful transition towards enhanced autonomy is a shared responsibility, urging the government to act with speed and efficiency.
In South Kivu, the visit of the partners coordination group allowed a concrete inventory and awareness of the challenges to be addressed. The commitment and determination of these key players are strong signals of a collective desire to build a better future for the province.
In conclusion, the coordination of partners in the South Kivu province is of crucial importance to ensure a successful transition to autonomous and secure governance. The involvement of all stakeholders, transparency in the process and listening to the needs of local populations are essential pillars to meet current challenges and guarantee a prosperous future for all.
This visit marks the start of a new era of collaboration and concerted action for South Kivu, highlighting the importance of international solidarity and local cooperation to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future.
In a context marked by urgency and the need to act, the coordination of partners presents itself as a beacon of hope and a vector of positive change for South Kivu. It is up to all of us to seize this opportunity and work together for a better, safer and fairer future for all.