Post-Conflict Reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
By Gwinyayi A. Dzinesa and Joyce Laker. Centre for Conflict Resolution, April 2010.
The DRC is governed by multiple, weak, and parallel structures that lack a clear vision of peacebuilding. Additionally, no institution is equipped or mandated to deal effectively with potential election-related instability, raising the prospects that upcoming polls could plunge the country into political uncertainty. Within an overall peacebuilding program that prioritizes societal transformation and positive relations between the state and its citizens, the DRC government must build an effective, independent, and professional electoral commission that can promote democratic, inclusive, and competent political contestation.
Download the Brief: [PDF]Re-integrating Ex-combatants in the Great Lakes Region
By Nelson Alusala. Institute for Security Studies, 2011. The unsuccessful reintegration of thousands of ex-combatants in the Great Lakes region due to a failure to imbue social belonging and a long-term stake in economic development exposes vulnerable areas to the threat of remobilization. Sustainable Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programs, which often wane before the final reintegration phase, must be sensitive to the social, cultural, and economic realities near demobilization sites that are often ignored in “one-size-fits-all” DDR templates. Download the Article: [PDF]Supporting SSR in the DRC: Between A Rock and A Hardplace
By Henri Boshoff et al. Clingendael Institute, April 2010. Government preoccupation with regime security and continuing dysfunction within the security and justice apparatuses has delayed the implementation and efficacy of security sector reform (SSR). From province to province, SSR is implemented with different partners who employ different techniques, equipment, and strategies, creating a haphazard system. Meanwhile, the DRC government continues to lose the stability and security benefits of an accountable, rights-respecting security sector. Current SSR proposals in the Congolese parliament should be utilized as a starting framework to build a more systematic and cohesive SSR program. Download the Paper: [PDF]Increasing Security in DR Congo: Gender-Responsive Strategies for Combating Sexual Violence
By Rosan Smits and Serena Cruz. Clingendael Conflict Research Unit, June 2011. Despite significant efforts to combat sexual violence in the DRC, prevalence rates remain among the highest in the world. This is due not only to capacity constraints but also because programs primarily target conflict zones and fail to address violence-prone social constructions common around the country. Treatment must move beyond the “weapon of war” narrative to incentivize male and female empowerment strategies nationwide and strengthen the link between judicial action and gender-related social services. While rape is not strictly a security concern, SSR programs must also address that sexual violence is commonly committed by those in uniform, discrediting security forces and undermining stability. Download the Brief: [PDF]Arms Transfers to the DRC: Assessing the System of Arms Transfers Notifications 2008 – 2010
By Mark Bromley and Paul Holtom. Swedish International Peace Research Institute, October 2010. Ensuring that the UN system of arms transfer notifications for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) works as intended is critical to stabilizing the war-torn country. However, notification requirements are unclear and weaker than those used in other conflict zones. The UN Sanctions Committee should clarify these rules and the DRC government and supplier states should fully conform to reporting requirements so as to establish an efficient and lawful means for sales and transfers. Download the Paper: [PDF]Conflict Minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Aligning Trade and Security Interventions
By Ruben de Koning. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, June 2011.
Unless authorities re-establish administrative control over mines, competition between armed groups and wayward military units over access to lucrative minerals will continue to destabilize the DRC. Fortunately, new schemes to formalize, regulate, and trace mineral products are improving the prospects to do so. This will be contingent, however, on other governance enhancements, including security sector reform.
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