ARU COMMITS TO PEACE: TOWARDS A STRUCTURED COMMUNITY DIALOGUE IN SUPPORT OF THE P-DDRCS
The territory of Aru in Ituri Province has taken a significant step forward in the local implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme (P-DDRCS) by hosting the first day of the workshop for the formalization and installation of the Peace and Programme Support Consultation Framework (CCPAP) on 5 November 2025.
Held at the FEC hall in Aru, the workshop brought together local authorities, traditional leaders, civil society actors, and youth representatives. It was facilitated by the provincial coordination delegation of P-DDRCS/Ituri, including Mr. Nestor BALOMBO TSHEZA and Mr. Fidèle DRAMANI ALIO. The main objective was to strengthen understanding and local ownership of the P-DDRCS National Strategy, which serves as a reference framework for sustainable stabilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A Symbolic and Institutional Opening Ceremony
The day began with a strong sense of formality, including the singing of the national anthem and a welcoming address by the Deputy Head of the P-DDRCS Antenna in Aru. In his opening remarks, Mr. Nestor BALOMBO acknowledged the high level of participation and reiterated the commitment of the President of the Republic, H.E. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, as well as the strategic vision of Professor Jean de Dieu Désiré NTANGA NTITA, National Coordinator of the P-DDRCS.
He reminded attendees of the programme’s legal foundation, particularly Presidential Ordinance No. 21/038, and emphasized that the CCPAP in Aru would be a locally driven, participatory structure reflecting the realities of the territory. He described it as a permanent community dialogue mechanism, urging future members to demonstrate integrity, leadership, and commitment.
For his part, Senior Commissioner Richard MBAMBI KINGANA, Police Administrator of Aru Territory, formally opened the workshop. He stressed the need for « an intelligent and coordinated community response » to local security challenges. He described the CCPAP as “a practical laboratory of our shared security,” calling for proactive collaboration between state services and communities.
Local Ownership of the National Strategy: Practical Learning at the Core
The technical presentations offered participants a deep dive into the conceptual and institutional foundations of the P-DDRCS. Mr. BALOMBO elaborated on the programme’s strategic vision, key innovations, guiding principles, and governance structure. He emphasized the shift away from traditional militarized approaches toward a stronger community-centered model.
The five pillars of the National Strategy were presented in detail:
1. Conflict Resolution and Social Cohesion (led by Mr. DRAMANI): Focused on healing community divisions through dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation.
2. Restoration of State Authority and Security (led by Mr. BALOMBO): Encompassing disarmament, demobilization, and the return of state services.
3. Community Recovery and Reintegration (led by Mr. DRAMANI): Supporting the economic and psychosocial reintegration of ex-combatants.
4. Stabilization and Socio-Economic Development (led by Mr. BALOMBO): Aimed at infrastructure rehabilitation and economic revitalization in post-conflict zones.
5. Communication and Awareness (led by Mr. BALOMBO): A cross-cutting pillar essential for informing, mobilizing, and promoting peace messages across communities.
Participatory Dynamic: Citizens Embrace the Process
The discussion session was lively and engaging. Participants raised thoughtful questions and shared experiences that highlighted growing awareness and commitment. One community leader commended the P-DDRCS, noting that post-demobilization follow-up “finally reflects a serious and sustainable approach.” Others expressed eagerness to participate in the local structures supporting programme implementation.
The Territory Administrator, deeply involved throughout the day, emphasized the importance of discipline and punctuality. Declaring that “this presidential initiative is everyone’s business,” he urged attendees to consider how they could personally contribute to the CCPAP and take ownership of their community’s peacebuilding journey.
Laying a Strong Foundation for the Next Steps
The first day of this workshop was marked by strong community mobilization, committed leadership, and a deeper understanding of the P-DDRCS National Strategy. It laid the groundwork for the official installation of the CCPAP in Aru, scheduled for the following day, in a spirit of co-creation, inclusion, and accountability. Through this initiative, the P-DDRCS continues its mission of peacebuilding and stabilization, driven by locally anchored, participatory, and decentralized governance, fully aligned with the vision of the Head of State to build lasting peace with communities and for communities.
P-DDRCS Communications Unit
