Goma, 9 August 2024 – The monitoring committee meeting of the “Together for Security and Peace in Eastern DRC” program was recently held in North Kivu province, under the chairmanship of Major General Peter Chirimwami. This meeting brought together the actors involved in this crucial program, demonstrating their commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
Major General Chirimwami stressed the importance of this meeting as a means of sharing results and data on the implementation of the ESPER program in the province. He highlighted the history of conflicts that have affected the region, including clashes with the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group, and called for collective mobilization to work towards security and peace.
The monitoring committee, which meets regularly every six months, aims to exchange technical information on the implementation of the program’s activities, analyze successes and challenges encountered, and propose corrective measures. It is an essential framework for assessing progress made and formulating recommendations to improve security governance in the region.
VNG International Country Director, Ms. Nynke Douma, highlighted the importance of the ESPER program, implemented in collaboration with Cordaid and supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This program is part of the Congolese government’s priority policies of decentralization, development and community security, aimed at stabilizing conflict-affected areas and strengthening local security committees.
The provincial governor advocated for an extension of the program, whose implementation period ends at the end of 2024. This extension would make it possible to capitalize on the performances achieved and consolidate good practices in security governance in North Kivu.
In conclusion, the meeting of the ESPER monitoring committee marks an important step in the efforts to promote security and peace in eastern DRC. It demonstrates the commitment of local, national and international actors to work together to build a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.