FIRST WORKING SESSION BETWEEN THE NEW NATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF P-DDRCS AND PROVINCIAL COORDINATORS
Kinshasa, January 22, 2025 — In a bid to strengthen coordination and streamline the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS), the newly appointed National Coordinator and his two Deputies held their first working session with Provincial Coordinators from the five priority provinces on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The meeting was conducted virtually with the provinces and in person with senior staff and officials from the National Coordination Office in Kinshasa.
Opening the session, the Deputy National Coordinator in charge of Technical and Operational Affairs, Ms. Marie Chantal LUMBA TSHIMANGA, extended her best wishes to all teams and congratulated the provincial and field offices for the work achieved since the Program’s inception. She emphasized the importance of aligning provincial planning and sensitization activities with the national strategy and operational plans.
During the session, provincial coordinators shared updates on progress and ongoing challenges. In South Kivu, over 14,000 combatants are expected to undergo the DDRCS process. So far, 64 surrendered fighters are being supported by the Program and its partners in Uvira, while 184 ex-combatants disarmed by MONUSCO in Kalehe await formal demobilization. Additionally, more than 3,000 children have been separated from armed forces and groups in the province, where a mapping exercise has identified 63 local and 4 foreign armed groups. The World Bank, through local organizations, is implementing the « STAR EST » project in the territories of Mwenga, Shabunda, Kalehe, and Fizi in support of the P-DDRCS.
In North Kivu, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration operations are ongoing. According to the Provincial Coordinator, more than 300 ex-combatants have been disarmed, demobilized, and reintegrated into their communities in Lubero and Beni. As part of the reintegration process, they are actively involved in high labor-intensive public works projects, supported by the Stabilization Coherence Fund and implemented by IOM.
In Ituri, 1,332 ex-combatants have voluntarily surrendered. The authorities have recovered 225 weapons, over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, and various military items. Additionally, 244 children have been separated from armed groups in this province, where six local armed groups remain active, and 1,342 combatants await reintegration.
Meanwhile, in the provinces of Tanganyika and Maniema, sensitization campaigns are ongoing. Sites have already been identified for upcoming disarmament and demobilization operations, targeting combatants who have signaled their willingness to surrender.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy National Coordinator for Administration and Finance, Mr. William BALIKA LWAMUSHI, reminded all participants of the importance of adhering to the administrative and financial procedures governing the Programme, stressing accountability and compliance at every level.
Closing the session, the National Coordinator, Professor Jean de Dieu Désiré NTANGA NTITA, reiterated the authority granted to the P-DDRCS by the President of the Republic. He emphasized that decentralization must not be confused with insubordination or indiscipline. All provincial actions must be conducted under the leadership, guidance, and strategic direction of the National Coordination.
P-DDRCS Communications Unit
