NORTH KIVU: P‑DDRCS LAUNCHES BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION, VERIFICATION AND ORIENTATION OPERATIONS FOR EX‑COMBATANTS IN LUBERO
The territories of Beni and Lubero have reached a decisive milestone in disarmament and stabilization efforts with the launch, on Thursday 27 november 2025, of the process of issuing demobilization cards to ex‑combatants.
To this end, the Provincial Coordination of P‑DDRCS North Kivu initiated biometric identification, verification, and orientation operations for ex‑combatants at the Lubero territorial antenna. These operations are being carried out with the technical support of experts from the National Coordination of the Programme. From the early hours of the day, the Lubero facilities welcomed ex‑combatants from across the territory to complete the various stages of the process.
At the conclusion of the first day, Acting Provincial Coordinator Mr. NDAYAMBAJE SUKISA Joseph officially handed over biometric demobilization cards to the identified ex‑combatants. These cards, issued to former holders of illegal arms who have chosen peace, successfully complete the identification and orientation phases. They serve as formal proof of their commitment to permanently leaving armed groups and integrating into the reinsertion and community reintegration processes provided by the programme.
A total of 47 ex‑combatants, including six women, were registered during this first day. New arrivals continue to join spontaneously, demonstrating their adherence to the P‑DDRCS and its ongoing stabilization mechanisms. These operations mark a major turning point in the implementation of the new vision of the Head of State, His Excellency Antoine Félix TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO, focused on a community‑based and sustainable DDR approach, a vision being concretely realized under the leadership of Professor Jean de Dieu Désiré NTANGA NTITA, National Coordinator of the P‑DDRCS.
Data collected in the field are directly integrated into the national P‑DDRCS database (MIS), thanks to the work of expert Mr. TSHISHIMBI Claude, specially delegated by the National Coordination to ensure real‑time system updates. This rigor guarantees full traceability of each participant’s journey, from identification to reinsertion.
In parallel, military equipment voluntarily surrendered by ex‑combatants is handed over to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) through the T2 service of the SOKOLA 1 sector, in accordance with established procedures to secure recovered materials.
This dynamic is part of the national P‑DDRCS strategy, which promotes a DDR rooted in communities, fostering stability, local governance, and socio‑economic development. The regular and voluntary handover of weapons by ex‑combatants demonstrates growing support for peace efforts, consolidating hopes for a lasting return to security in the territories of Beni and Lubero.
Communication Unit – P‑DDRCS
