**The Reintegration of Former Militiamen in Ituri: Towards a New Economy of Peace**
On January 31, 2023, a landmark event occurred in the village of Mabanga, in the Djugu territory, Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). At least 1,200 former militiamen made the courageous choice to join the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Community Reintegration Program (PDDDRCS). This moment, although localized, resonates beyond the borders of Ituri and raises critical questions about the path to sustainable peace in a region long shaken by conflict.
### A Return to the Sources: Disarmament and Reintegration
The demobilization ceremony in Mabanga is not just a formality; it embodies a collective desire to end the cycle of violence that has ravaged the region. This process, which is ongoing over a two-week period, is part of a broader initiative in which all armed groups in the province have joined a similar process. The promise of a return to peaceful activities, such as agriculture and livestock breeding, highlights the quest for subsistence of individuals who, subjected to the fighting, have been forced to give up their former lives.
The figures speak for themselves: in Ituri, conflicts have displaced nearly 5 million people since 2017, according to UNHCR data. In this light, the commitment of former combatants to work for peace must be framed by an adequate reintegration policy, including sustainable economic support.
### Illustration of a Paradigm Shift
The national coordinator of the PDDDRCS, Tanga Ntita, expressed wishes for harmony and prosperity. His message of peace is intended to be an incentive to envisage a future without violence. However, for this transition to be sustainable, the DRC government must adopt a societal and economic approach that recognizes the complexity of reintegration. Training programs, access to microcredit, as well as initiatives to promote local entrepreneurship, are avenues to explore.
By comparison, the demobilization process in South Africa after the end of Apartheid was relatively successful in integrating a large number of ex-combatants. This success was attributed to psychosocial and economic support programs, which allowed ex-combatants to effectively reintegrate into society. In the DRC, however, the failure of previous disarmament initiatives, such as the case of the Mai-Mai militias, leaves doubts as to the government’s real commitment to providing this support.
### The Challenges of Security and Community Engagement
A crucial aspect of this reintegration remains security. Ex-combatants themselves have stressed the need for community protection in the face of threats from foreign forces, such as the M23 and the ADF, which continue to spread terror in the region.. Thus, the reintegration of ex-militiamen cannot be seen as an isolated process; it requires a reinforced security framework so that individuals, now in favor of peace, are not forced to return to violent practices.
In addition, psychological and social support must not be neglected. Anger, trauma and wounds left by war can persist long after the end of the fighting. A holistic approach, integrating psychologists and social workers into the reintegration system, could significantly improve the success rate of these initiatives.
### Conclusion: The Future of Ituri between Hope and Vigilance
The Mabanga event is a symbol of hope for Ituri, where peace finally seems within reach, but it is only the beginning of a long road. The determination displayed by ex-combatants must be accompanied by tangible commitments from the authorities to ensure a future of prosperity.
It is imperative that the Congolese government becomes aware of the challenges that await it and acts as soon as possible to promote truly sustainable reintegration. The future of Ituri is in the hands of its inhabitants, but also in those of the structures that claim to represent them. Today’s choices will determine the course of future generations. Peace cannot be decreed, it is built, stone by stone.