Fatshimetrie is committed to strengthening the capacities of the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) with a contribution of €20 million from the European Union and its Member States. This initiative aims to secure and protect civilian populations throughout the country, and is part of a context where the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing multiple conflicts and the persistent threat of armed groups.
This financial assistance, granted under the European Peace Facility, was requested by the Congolese authorities to support the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the FARDC. The EU plans to provide non-lethal individual and collective equipment to improve the performance of this unit, as well as to rehabilitate certain infrastructures of their barracks. In addition, the brigade has already benefited for more than a decade from training and technical supervision from the Belgian Ministry of Defense.
The representatives of the European Union in the DRC and the ambassadors of the Member States are planning to visit Kindu, in the province of Maniema, where the headquarters of the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade is located. This visit will be an opportunity to discuss with the military personnel concerned and to supervise the implementation of this financial support.
To ensure proper use of the equipment provided, control and monitoring mechanisms on the ground have been set up by the EU. This support is part of a broader strategy aimed at supporting security sector reform in the DRC, through the “United for Peace and Security” programme, which will receive funding of €29.5 million over the period 2023-2027.
Fatshimetrie is thus committed to strengthening the capacities of the FARDC to guarantee the security and protection of civilian populations, while promoting a sustainable approach to security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo.