TULIME PAMOJA: TURNING WEAPONS INTO TOOLS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The Tanganyika Province has marked a historic milestone in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ongoing process of peacebuilding and stabilization. On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the pilot project for the socio-economic reintegration of ex-combatants, aptly named Tulime Pamoja — “Let’s Cultivate Together” — was officially launched across the territories of Kalemie and Nyunzu.
The ceremony took place in the Chiefdom of Tumbwe, under the patronage of the Provincial Minister of the Interior, Mr. Johnson Kasongo Salumu – accompanied by the Minister of health and Social Affairs, representing the Governor of Tanganyika, H.E. Christian Kitungwa Muteba. The event gathered the National Coordinator of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery, and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS), Professor Jean de Dieu Désiré Ntanga Ntita, alongside Mr. Trésor Ngabo, the Provincial Focal Point for Tanganyika, as well as numerous political, administrative, military, traditional, and community leaders.
The Tulime Pamoja project embodies a strong national commitment to place peace, national cohesion, and community development at the heart of government action. Fully funded by the Congolese State through the P-DDRCS, the project reflects the vision of H.E. President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who has made stabilization, reconciliation, and inclusive recovery key pillars of his national governance agenda.
From the outset of the ceremony, two recently disarmed beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and joy, acknowledging the Government’s swift response—less than one month after their official demobilization under the supervision of the P-DDRCS. They appealed to local leaders and the community for continued support as they rebuild their lives in civilian society.
In his welcoming remarks, Grand Chief Tumbwe described the event as a “historic and symbolic celebration,” representing the tangible realization of the President’s vision for lasting peace. He urged the beneficiaries to make responsible use of the agricultural tools and inputs provided, emphasizing discipline, resilience, and community solidarity as the keys to their successful reintegration.
In his address, Minister Kasongo Salumu underscored that the project was the result of extensive advocacy and coordination efforts led by the Provincial Government under Governor Kitungwa, aimed at offering practical reintegration solutions to young men and women who had renounced violence. He praised the leadership of Professor Ntanga Ntita and his commitment to making Tanganyika a model province for national reintegration efforts, while highlighting that the project is 100% Congolese-funded, a testament to national ownership and sovereignty.
For his part, Professor Ntanga Ntita reaffirmed the P-DDRCS’s resolve to break the cycle of violence, restore human dignity, and provide genuine economic and social opportunities to former combatants. He paid tribute to President Tshisekedi’s vision and leadership, stating that Tulime Pamoja “is not merely a material or financial intervention, but a transformative human and social process built on trust, dialogue, and cooperation between demobilized individuals and their communities.”
The initiative follows an integrated approach, combining sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and life skills training. This methodology aims to ensure economic autonomy for beneficiaries while strengthening social cohesion and mutual trust between ex-combatants and civilians.
At the close of the ceremony, agricultural equipment and supplies were officially distributed to the beneficiaries, who expressed deep gratitude to the President and the P-DDRCS. They pledged to use the tools responsibly and to contribute actively to the development and prosperity of their communities.
The launch of Tulime Pamoja represents a major stride forward for Tanganyika — a province once scarred by conflict, now becoming a symbol of national renewal. Under President Tshisekedi’s leadership, peace is no longer a distant aspiration — it is being cultivated, literally and figuratively, in the fields, hearts, and minds of the Congolese people.
P-DDRCS Communication Unit
