The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to face numerous challenges, including the presence of several domestic and foreign illegal armed groups on its territory. Back-to-back civil wars, in 1996-97 and 1998-2003, severely impaired the government’s ability to extend state authority throughout the country and foster the rule of law. The DRC is a resource rich country, but widespread insecurity has impeded its development. Past peace agreements improved security somewhat and provided space for the establishment of a transitional government in 2003 and then national elections in 2006. Subsequent agreements, however, have not succeeded in securing a lasting peace throughout the country, despite significant U.S. and international support. It is imperative to support the new government’s ability to provide security and rule of law.
U.S. Criminal Justice Sector Development Goals
- Support the establishment of the Border Police Directorate in the DRC’s eastern provinces to help address a major factor in the instability in that region: the illegal extraction, exploitation, trade and transfer of natural resources. These illegal activities are directly related to regional stability, as the profits from these sales are used to fund the purchase of arms, thereby feeding the conflict.
- Assist in building the capacity of modernized and professional DRC law enforcement services capable of providing a safe and stable environment for the Congolese people.
U.S. Programs
Embassy Kinshasa staff and Washington actively coordinate program activities with other U.S. and international donors. The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) launched its first assistance program for the DRC in 2008: a border police development program implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This project focuses on the Ituri District in northeastern DRC, and is a component of a larger program encompassing similar projects in North Kivu, South Kivu and northern Katanga. The program is overseen by the Monitoring Committee on Police Reform (CRSP), a joint government-donor committee chaired by the Minister of Interior.
The INL project aims to provide the Congolese National Police (PNC) with the basic capacity and infrastructure to effectively identify and address the causes and consequences of cross-border activities, including movements of persons and goods, trafficking and other criminal acts, in addition to external criminal infiltrations. It will also contribute to building trust between communities and police, and promote constructive cooperation with border authorities of neighboring countries. The project seeks to establish and renovate border police facilities in the Ituri District, including a training center and sector headquarters, sub-sector headquarters, and border posts. The training element focuses on migration and border management, community-oriented policing, and senior management.
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