DRC: Over 5,000 combatants leave armed groups in two years as DDR program advances
The Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached a significant milestone. More than 5,000 combatants from armed groups have left the bush over the past two years to join the peace process. The announcement was made on Monday, March 9, in Kinshasa by National Coordinator Jean-Didier Tanga Tita during a joint briefing with Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya.
Of this total, 3,188 demobilizations have been recorded since the beginning of 2025.
Ituri province leads with 1,546 ex-combatants, followed by North Kivu with 838, Tanganyika with 653, while 151 others were registered between Mai-Ndombe and Kinshasa.
Regarding materials, nearly a thousand weapons have been recovered and stored by the FARDC, along with approximately 5,000 rounds of various calibers and 40 explosives.
Beyond simple disarmament, the program emphasizes psychological support for ex-combatants.
Mental health care is provided before their return to their communities of origin an innovative approach aimed at preventing recidivism and facilitating sustainable social reintegration.
The government stresses the importance of this human dimension in the pacification process.
The authorities, under the leadership of Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, are also focusing on the economic empowerment of demobilized individuals. The goal is to offer them concrete alternatives so they can “produce goods and services, meet the needs of their communities, and generate income.” This strategy thus combines security, mental health, and local development to sustainably break the cycle of violence.
Jean-Robert Tchandy
