DRC SHOWCASES NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO PEACE: PILOT REINTEGRATION PROJECT FOR EX-COMBATANTS LAUNCHED IN TANGANYIKA
Kalemie, 7 October 2025 – The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially launched a nationally-led pilot project for the socio-economic reintegration of ex-combatants in the provinces of Tanganyika, with a focus on the conflict-affected territories of Kalemie and Nyunzu. The project—branded with the slogan “Tulime Pamoja” (Let’s cultivate together)—is a powerful demonstration of national ownership, state leadership, and local commitment to durable peace and recovery.
Fully financed by the Congolese government through the P-DDRCS (National Programme for Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization), the project was launched by Minister of Interior Johnson Kasongo Salumu, on behalf of the Provincial Governor, in the presence of the National DDRCS Coordinator, Professor Jean de Dieu Désiré Ntanga Ntita, and multiple representatives of provincial, customary, and military leadership.
The initiative directly benefits ex-combatants from the Kilima, Ngoma Pasuka, and Bitonto armed groups who voluntarily surrendered their weapons. It is designed to create pathways toward peaceful reintegration, economic inclusion, and social dignity for those exiting armed life, transforming risks into development opportunities.
“This is a turning point for Tanganyika and a clear reflection of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi’s vision for peace, reintegration, and national cohesion,” said Professor Ntanga Ntita. “We are not only ending conflict—we are building futures.”
The integrated reintegration model includes:
(i) Sustainable agriculture-based livelihoods to ensure food security and income generation;
(ii) High-labor intensity public works to rehabilitate local infrastructure and provide short-term employment;
(iii) Tailored training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and life skills, enabling long-term socio-economic independence.
During the launch, agricultural tools were distributed to the first cohort of beneficiaries, many of whom expressed deep gratitude for this tangible commitment to their reintegration and future. This locally anchored project aligns fully with the National DDRCS Strategy, emphasizing government leadership, community participation, and alignment with broader development goals such as the PDL-145T (Local Development Programme for 145 Territories).
Its implementation in areas formerly impacted by armed conflict—such as Tumbwe in Kalemie —sends a strong signal: the Congolese state is reclaiming its leadership in peacebuilding, recovery, and inclusive development.
The pilot in Kalemie and Nyunzu is just the beginning. With the right support, this model can be expanded to other territories with high reintegration needs. The DRC government reaffirms its commitment and now calls upon international partners to: (i) Support the scale-up of nationally-owned reintegration projects;
(ii) Align with the P-DDRCS and PDL-145T frameworks to ensure coherence and sustainability;
(iii) Fund initiatives that center on community recovery, mental health, social cohesion, and economic empowerment;
(iv) Recognize and reinforce the progress made by national institutions in stabilizing conflict-affected regions.
Now more than ever, the momentum is real, the political will is present, and the communities are ready. This is the time to invest in locally led, nationally owned, and impact-driven peacebuilding solutions.
P-DDRCS-Communication-Unit
