KINSHASA: TOWARDS THE REPATRIATION OF FOREIGN EX COMBATANTS-THE P-DDRCS MOBILIZES IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS
The National Programme for Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization (P DDRCS) received on Wednesday, 03 December 2025, a joint delegation from the European Institute of Peace (EIP) and the customary chief of the Bavira chieftaincy. This high-level meeting forms part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation around the repatriation of foreign ex combatants present on Congolese territory.
The discussions were opened by the National Coordinator of the P DDRCS, Professor Jean de Dieu Désiré NTANGA NTITA, accompanied by the Deputy National Coordinator in charge of technical and operational affairs, Mrs. Marie Chantal LUMBA TSHIMANGA. In his introductory remarks, the National Coordinator recalled that the P DDRCS is the sole institution mandated by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to lead and coordinate all DDRCS related activities, in accordance with Presidential Ordinance No. 21/038 of 04 July 2021.
He emphasized the importance of national ownership and coherent coordination to ensure a credible and effective process.
The meeting addressed several key issues, including the repatriation of foreign ex combatants and refugees, the crucial role of customary authorities in mediating relations between refugees and armed groups, resource mobilization, capacity building, and the exchange of technical expertise on DDR related matters.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Eddy Mbona, Regional Adviser for the Great Lakes and Southern Africa at EIP, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity for constructive dialogue. He highlighted the mission of EIP, which focuses on designing and implementing sustainable peace processes and agreements, while providing political and technical support to national institutions. He further noted that the purpose of their visit was to brief the P DDRCS on EIP’s achievements and explore avenues for continued collaboration, particularly by placing customary authorities at the center of interventions.
For her part, the Deputy National Coordinator presented the overall vision of the Programme, its mandate, national strategy, technical expertise, and strong community-based approach, guided by the principle: “With the community, for the community, by the community, and within the community.”
Both parties agreed to establish a structured framework for collaboration to ensure alignment, coordination, and effective implementation of future interventions.
P DDRCS Communication Unit
