DRC: Security sector reform relaunched as a national priority
Security sector reform has been reaffirmed as a strategic priority for President Félix Tshisekedi during the Security Sector Reform Advisory Group meeting held on June 16, 2025, in Kinshasa. This gathering, chaired by Désiré Cashmir Eberande, the President’s Special Security Adviser, marks a significant step in the Congolese government’s commitment to building a more effective and inclusive national security system.
In his opening address, Eberande reiterated President Tshisekedi’s commitments made on January 20, emphasizing that this reform is vital to ensuring the protection of all Congolese citizens, particularly children affected by armed conflict—a theme symbolically linked to the Day of the African Child.
Eberande also highlighted that the current format of the advisory group, which includes representatives from national institutions, embassies, and the United Nations system, is flexible and could evolve. He announced the forthcoming creation of a dedicated budget line to support the reform, acknowledging the scale and complexity of the task ahead.
A follow-up commission has been established to develop a coherent security policy informed by provincial consultations and the input of churches and civil society organizations. While the reform remains primarily the responsibility of the Congolese state, the Special Adviser encouraged contributions from international partners, particularly through the sharing of their experiences.
Bintou Keita, the UN Secretary-General’s representative in the DRC, welcomed the Congolese government’s renewed commitment. She suggested institutionalizing this consultation framework on a quarterly basis to maintain sustained momentum. Keita also referenced recent diplomatic progress, including the declaration of principles between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington and the Togolese-mediated dialogue led by President Faure Gnassingbé, which she said open promising prospects for the country.
Ultimately, the objective is to build a robust, effective, and legitimate security system capable of guaranteeing a stable and secure future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
