Fatshimetrie, 13 September 2024 – The workshop on the status of the International Municipal Cooperation Programme (PCIC) between Congolese and Belgian municipalities ended on Friday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This event marked an important step in the monitoring of this essential partnership between the two countries, focused on peer exchanges aimed at strengthening population services, particularly in the areas of civil status and population.
During this workshop, Jean-Michel Reniers, head of department at Brulocalis, highlighted the importance of the PCIC funded by the Belgian federal government, a programme that has enabled the construction and renovation of several district offices in the municipalities concerned. He highlighted the crucial role of this partnership in strengthening Congolese municipal institutions through exchanges of expertise between the Belgian and Congolese authorities.
Sophie Willaumez, Head of International Relations for the Brussels-Capital Region, welcomed the progress made under the cooperation agreement between the Brussels Region and the city of Kinshasa, in particular the project to digitise the population register of the municipality of Kintambo. She emphasised the ease of collaboration with the Congolese authorities and the importance of strengthening institutional capacities for better urban management.
The mayor of the municipality of Ngaliema, Dieu Merci Mayibanziluanga, expressed his gratitude to the Belgian and Congolese partners for the progress made through this cooperation. He mentioned the significant progress in terms of infrastructure, training and exchanges of experience, stressing the challenge of perpetuating these achievements for the well-being of the local population.
This international cooperation between the Congolese and Belgian municipalities demonstrates the importance of knowledge sharing and mutual assistance between countries for the sustainable development of local authorities. It embodies the spirit of solidarity and collaboration needed to jointly address the challenges facing our societies. By continuing on this path, the partner municipalities will be able to build a better future for all, based on fruitful exchanges and strengthened cooperation.
In conclusion, the Municipal International Cooperation Programme (CIC) represents an essential tool for Belgian development cooperation, offering opportunities for sustainable partnership and sharing of expertise for the well-being of local populations. This positive assessment underlines the importance of continuing and deepening these collaborations for a long-term positive impact on the ground.