Rumors of Peace, Whispers of War: Assessment of the Reintegration of Ex-Combatants into Civilian Life in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri
By Guy Lamb and Nelson Alusala. Transitional Demobilization and Reintegration Program, February 2012. Roughly 100,000 combatants have been demobilized over the last decade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Many have transitioned into civilian employment in economic sectors for which no assistance or training was provided, demonstrating a strong demand for nonviolent livelihood opportunities. Formal associations developed by ex-combatants that provide a safety net, a source of reassurance, and a networking opportunity have proven critical linchpins to successful transitions to civilian life. Still, recidivism has been high, particularly for militants who integrated into the armed forces where unaddressed marginalization, skewed benefits, and weak promotion potential are incentivizing desertion and militancy. Download the Article: [PDF]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]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]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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