Government Strengthens Coordination Between Regional Integration Ministry and P-DDRCS

Kinshasa, July 7, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a new step toward improving coordination of peace and stabilization efforts with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Regional Integration and the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery, and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS). The memorandum of understanding was signed on Monday, July 6, by Floribert Anzuluni, Minister of Regional Integration, and Jean de Dieu Désiré Ntanga Ntita, coordinator of the P-DDRCS. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in addressing cross-border conflicts and supporting peace initiatives in conflict-affected areas. The partnership seeks to better connect national disarmament and reintegration mechanisms with regional peace frameworks. It will focus on coordinating stabilization programs, monitoring regional commitments related to peace and voluntary repatriation of foreign combatants, sharing strategic analysis on security dynamics, and mobilizing support from regional organizations and international partners. Minister Floribert Anzuluni said the agreement responds to the urgent need for coordinated action to restore peace and security in eastern DRC, where armed conflicts involving local and foreign groups continue to affect communities. He emphasized that although the P-DDRCS is primarily a national program, its mission also has a regional dimension due to the influence of cross-border armed groups and external factors contributing to insecurity. The minister highlighted the importance of addressing the presence of foreign armed groups operating in the country, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), National Forces for the Liberation of Burundi (FNL), and Red Tabara. According to him, stronger cooperation between institutions is necessary to support voluntary disarmament and peaceful reintegration efforts. Under the agreement, a Steering Committee will be established to provide strategic direction, while a Joint Technical Committee will oversee operational coordination, monitor activities, and evaluate progress. For the P-DDRCS, the partnership represents an opportunity to strengthen the regional dimension of its strategy, particularly regarding disarmament, community recovery, stabilization, and the voluntary return of foreign combatants and their families. Jean de Dieu Désiré Ntanga Ntita said the DRC’s decades-long experience with conflict has generated valuable expertise in peacebuilding, mediation, reintegration, and community stabilization. He argued that these lessons should be transformed into a structured national approach that could contribute to regional peace efforts. The two institutions reaffirmed their commitment to protecting civilians, respecting human rights, strengthening state authority, and promoting transparency and accountability in peace initiatives. The agreement is also expected to be presented within regional mechanisms, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), with the objective of promoting greater coordination among neighboring countries facing similar security challenges. The initiative comes as eastern DRC continues to face persistent insecurity linked to the activities of numerous armed groups. The ongoing violence has contributed to a growing humanitarian crisis, with increasing numbers of displaced populations and refugees seeking safety inside and outside the country.