### A security reform at Lualaba: towards participatory governance?
On June 7, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jacquemin Shabani, kicked off a popularization campaign for new texts governing provincial and security committees in the province of Lualaba. This initiative is part of a broader process of transformation of security management across the country, carried by ministerial orders 044 and 046. But what are the implications and challenges for local communities?
### to inclusive security architecture
The central point of this reform is the abolition of former security councils, often perceived as disconnected from local realities, in favor of structures that encourage the participation of communities. This paradigm change aims to strengthen cooperation between the State and citizens, promote taking into account local particularities and making security management more efficient.
Mr. Shabani’s speech highlights the need for increased citizen involvement, suggesting that security cannot be considered as a prerogative reserved only for authorities. This raises the crucial question: how can citizens be encouraged to actively participate in their own security without fear of negative repercussions?
### Training: a lever for change
Before the popularization campaign, a capacity building workshop took place. This moment of consultation and training aims to prepare the local actors. By learning to map the risks and analyze threats, the latter gain autonomy and efficiency. However, it is important to question how these training courses will be perceived in the field and the depth of the participants’ commitment.
The success of these initiatives is also based on the quality of exchanges and the degree of appropriation of new skills. Far from being limited to simple administrative membership, this dynamic must transform the local culture towards a proactive approach to security. But how can we make sure that this new model will be understood and accepted by all the strata of the population?
### promising local membership
The support manifested by the local authorities, including the governor of Lualaba and various leaders of institutions, seems to indicate a consensus around this reform. This support is essential to promote a collective dynamic. However, it is crucial to keep in mind regional disparities and different levels of membership in this reform. For the model to work throughout the territory, it is essential to harmonize practices and to ensure that the voices of the most marginalized groups are not overshadowed.
### The challenges to overcome
If this initiative seems promising, several challenges persist. The implementation of such a project involves significant human and financial resources, as well as a determined commitment to local decision -makers. In addition, the success of this reform also depends on the capacity of managers to maintain open and transparent communication with communities, a guarantee of trust and efficiency.
In addition, it will be vital to monitor the implementation of these new structures. How to make sure that local committees do not recreate dynamics of centralized power while making crucial security decisions for populations? Citizen vigilance and control mechanisms will have to be established to prevent this reform from coming up against the realities of corruption or abuse of power.
### Conclusion: a path to shared security?
In conclusion, the reform of the provincial and safety committees in Lualaba represents a significant advance towards more inclusive and participative governance in terms of security. However, its success will depend on the ability of local actors to appropriate these changes and to navigate in the complexities of the Congolese socio-political context.
It is essential to carefully follow the evolution of these initiatives to assess their impacts on the daily security of citizens. The success of this reform will not only be measured by its immediate results, but also to its ability to establish a culture of sustainable participation and respectful of the votes of each member of the community. Thus, this transformation could constitute a step towards real shared security, anchored in local realities.