Launch of the “United for Peace and Security” project in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, recently inaugurated the “United for Peace and Security” project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project, financed by the European Union and implemented by French expertise and the Belgian development agency ENABEL, will extend over a period of four years, from 2023 to 2027.
This program is part of the continuity of cooperation efforts in the reform of the Security sector in the DRC, which began with EUSEC (2005-2016) and continued with PROGRESS (2015-2021). Areas targeted by the project include the cities of Kinshasa and Kananga, as well as the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.
The main objective of this project is to strengthen governance and the rule of law in the DRC. To achieve this objective, stakeholders will focus on four areas of intervention:
1. Support for the implementation of army reform: by strengthening the institutional framework, improving planning and monitoring of the reform.
2. Modernization of defense administration: by strengthening human resources management, promoting digitalization and supporting administrative training. Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening accountability and trust between the armed forces and the population, through training in ethics and professional conduct, as well as support for dialogue between the armed forces and the population.
3. Strengthening the capacities of the army: by supporting and protecting civilian populations in conflict zones in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. This will involve better protection of populations by the armed forces.
4. Care of victims and improvement of the living conditions of soldiers: by strengthening the military health corps for better care of victims, and by improving the living conditions of soldiers in the area.
This project is an important step in ongoing efforts to promote peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By working closely with the European Union, France and ENABEL expertise hope to contribute to the reform of the country’s defense system and the mitigation of violence.
During the launch ceremony, representatives of the European Union, the French and Belgian diplomatic corps, as well as local stakeholders were present, testifying to the importance given to this project.
In conclusion, the “United for Peace and Security” project represents a new stage in efforts to promote peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo.. With the support of the European Union, this project aims to strengthen governance, the rule of law and the capacities of the Congolese armed forces, with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace in the country.