### Collaboration between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda: an innovative peace strategy for Ituri
On March 31, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan Defense People’s Army (UPDF) launched an unprecedented awareness campaign in the territory of Djugu, Ituri, aimed at establishing a lasting climate of peace. Through regional initiatives like this, a major question emerge: can transfronter military collaborations really influence the behavior of armed groups?
Indeed, the members of the FARDC and the UPDF gathered in Fataki, in order to interact directly with community leaders and traditional leaders. This approach is indicative of a new approach centered on the mobilization of human and social resources to counter the endemic violence that rages in the region. Instead of sticking to an exclusively militarist discourse, these forces seek to embrace a strategy of dialogue and awareness.
#### Social issues behind violence
Ituri, like other regions of the DRC, is marked by recurring conflicts which have their origin in complex social dynamics. Young people, often recruited by armed groups in search of protection, status or livelihoods, represent a crucial component of this problem. Indeed, according to studies carried out by humanitarian organizations, nearly 1.5 million people have been moved to Ituri, contributing to the destabilization of traditional community structures.
This is where the FARDC and UPDF awareness campaign stands out. By inviting community leaders to take part in a process of reinstateing young people in society, the armed forces want not only to demobilize armed groups but also strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of incentives for violence.
#### A measurable strategy: how many young people will abandon arms?
To assess the effectiveness of such a campaign, measurement indicators must be put in place. Similar experiences in other countries, such as South Sudan or Sierra Leone, show that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs (DDR) can work, but only if they are integrated into a broader strategy that includes education, economic development and social justice. Statistically, these programs have recorded a fluctuating success rate of 50 to 70% in certain regions, but their effectiveness remains largely dependent on the local context and the support of the communities.
### A relationship between armies: change mentalities
The presence of the UPDF in Ituri is not without arousing questions. What are the ethnic, historical and political issues that underlie this cooperation? The Ugandan troop commander stressed the importance of not promoting a particular community. However, this position seems to ignore the historical resentments anchored between certain local communities, exacerbated by the tensions linked to the last war in the Congo.
In this context, sensitivity to intercommunity dialogue is essential. Will community leaders in charge of awareness be able to continue this dynamic of peace, even after militarized withdrawal? Long -term development projects, funded by partner countries or international NGOs, will be essential to ensure that peace, once established, is continued.
### Outlook for the future: Peace by dialogue
To conclude, the approach of FARDC and the UPDF deserves to be supported and supervised. The key to the success of this campaign is based not only on the number of young people who will disarm, but on the ability of local communities to reclaim dialogue and restore mutual trust. The complexity of the context in Ituri invites to a deep reflection on the conditions necessary to build a lasting peace, going beyond the simple military operations.
Examples of peace efforts in other world regions indicate that community commitment and the creation of an environment conducive to dialogue are crucial elements to sail in the tumultuous waters of post-conflict peace. By focusing on awareness and collaboration, DR Congo and Uganda could pave the way for a model of peace which inspires other regions confronted with similar challenges.
In order to really transform this military negotiation into a lasting peace, the path is long, but it begins here, with a collective awareness and a commitment to build a better future. The challenge is launched.