DRC enhances coordination for repatriation of Congolese linked to LRA

The Democratic Republic of Congo is reinforcing its commitment to peace and security by enhancing efforts to repatriate Congolese nationals associated with foreign armed groups. The government is actively supporting the return of its citizens who have been involved with armed movements operating in the Great Lakes region.

To this end, the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) organized a workshop in Kinshasa. The event brought together regional and international partners to foster a common understanding of the repatriation process for Congolese fighters voluntarily operating within the Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).

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This meeting was for us to have a common understanding of the political, legal, institutional and operational framework of this process; especially to harmonize the coordination mechanism between national institutions and partners involved in the repatriation of these individuals.

Marie Chantal Lumba Tshimanga, deputy national coordinator of P-DDRCS, emphasized the importance of aligning all stakeholders. "This meeting was for us to have a common understanding of the political, legal, institutional and operational framework of this process; especially to harmonize the coordination mechanism between national institutions and partners involved in the repatriation of these individuals," she explained. The workshop also aimed to bolster collaboration among various entities engaged in the voluntary return of Congolese nationals wishing to come back to the DRC.

The P-DDRCS is working with a network to raise awareness among Congolese associated with the LRA, encouraging those who wish to return home to come forward. This initiative is part of the program's broader reintegration and stabilization efforts for individuals exiting armed groups. Notably, fifteen Congolese fighters have already been repatriated as part of this program and are currently in Faradje undergoing identification before entering the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process.

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They are in Faradje. For the moment, we are in the process of identifying them.