MBAKANA: THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO LAUNCHES PILOT DISARMAMENT AND DEMOBILIZATION OPERATION UNDER PRESIDENT TSHISEKEDI’S VISION
Kinshasa, 2 December 2025 – The Democratic Republic of Congo has reached a historic milestone on the path to peace and stabilization with the official launch of the pilot disarmament and demobilization operation for Mobondo militiamen in Mbakana, Maluku rural commune. The ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, in the presence of the National Coordinator of the P DDRCS, Professor Jean de Dieu Désiré Ntanga Ntita, his deputy, as well as numerous political, military, customary authorities and technical and financial partners.
This initiative reflects the political will of the Head of State, His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the P DDRCS Steering Committee, to restore State authority, strengthen social cohesion, and build a united, secure, and prosperous Republic. “The State is present, national authority is reaffirmed, and the Republic will leave no space for violence or instability,” declared the Vice Prime Minister in his address.
The Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P DDRCS), established by Presidential Ordinance No. 21/038 of 4 July 2021, is the sole national authority mandated to lead disarmament and demobilization across the country. Under the leadership of Professor Ntanga Ntita, the Program embodies national sovereignty and translates the President’s vision into concrete action: transforming weapons into tools of peace and ex combatants into active citizens.
With more than 3,000 fighters expected to take part in this process, the Mbakana operation is far more than technical exercise. It represents a patriotic act, a step toward reconciliation and national reconstruction. Local communities are called upon to support demobilized combatants in their return to civilian life, to prioritize peace over vengeance, and to strengthen social cohesion.
The launch in Mbakana sends a strong message to the international community: the Democratic Republic of Congo stands firm, determined to break cycles of violence and to build a future of stability and sustainable development, under the leadership of the Head of State and with the support of the P DDRCS as the sole national authority for disarmament.
Communication Unit – P DDRCS
