TANGANYIKA: P‑DDRCS AND IOM STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION IN IMPLEMENTING THE MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT PROJECT FOR PEACE AND STABILITY
Kalemie, November 21, 2025. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) presented Dr. Houdou Seyni, Head of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Peace and Stability (SMSPS) Project, to the Provincial Coordination of the P‑DDRCS in Tanganyika. The presentation took place during a partnership‑strengthening meeting between the P‑DDRCS and IOM. Led by SMSPS Program Coordinator Renato Libanora, the IOM delegation outlined the overall framework of the project to the provincial team headed by focal point Trésor Ngabo.
Mr. Libanora emphasized that the P‑DDRCS remains a key partner within the Steering Committee, highlighting its strategic involvement as essential to ensuring the effectiveness of project activities. The SMSPS project, financed by the German development bank KfW, spans five years (January 2025 – December 2029) and is implemented by IOM and its partners in the territories of Kalemie and Nyunzu. With stabilization as one of its core pillars, the project aims to consolidate peace and strengthen the resilience of communities affected by conflict. More than 158,000 direct beneficiaries across 48 villages are expected to benefit.
Speaking on behalf of the P‑DDRCS Tanganyika, Trésor Ngabo stressed the importance of the project in the current context of disarmament and demobilization operations in the province. He underscored the positive impact of SMSPS on the P‑DDRCS mandate, particularly in facilitating social reintegration through a community‑anchored approach. He also highlighted the innovative nature of this strategy, noting that ex‑combatants represent only a fraction of beneficiaries, yet remain a latent threat to stability if not adequately supported.
Demonstrating its commitment to local populations, the P‑DDRCS will ensure coordination, guidance, and monitoring throughout implementation. It has also advocated for the inclusion of additional villages not initially targeted, such as Kasama in Kalemie territory, which hosts demobilized ex‑combatants from the Fimbo na Fimbo armed group led by Michel Bitonto. These communities present significant needs in mental health and psychosocial support.
The P‑DDRCS is currently developing a quarterly work plan to integrate community reconciliation initiatives between stakeholders and beneficiaries. Meanwhile, IOM has already launched community engagement in the Nyemba Health Zone through the identification of focal points.
P‑DDRCS Communication Unit
