The Service Civil pour la Paix en RDC (SCP-RDC) network, comprising various civil society organizations, has urged for more significant involvement of the civil society in initiatives aimed at restoring peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In a statement released on October 1 in Kinshasa, they commended ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the security crisis while emphasizing that women's and youth movements must be more closely associated with peace processes.
The SCP-RDC, which includes the Voix des Sans Voix pour les droits de l’Homme (VSV), expressed concern over the continued violence despite commitments made in regional and international mediation efforts. According to these organizations, civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed clashes in several eastern territories. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant population displacement and exacerbated the vulnerability of communities already affected by years of conflict.
The civil society network noted that agreements from Washington and Doha have yet to produce tangible results. The SCP-RDC observed that clashes between the Forces armées de la RDC (FARDC) and the AFC/M23 coalition, as well as activities of other armed groups, continue to fuel instability in several localities. This situation has led to substantial population displacement and worsened the vulnerability of communities already impacted by years of conflict.
The SCP-RDC drew attention to the plight of women and children, often the primary victims of security and humanitarian crises. The network also highlighted the economic repercussions of persistent insecurity, including the closure of banks and universities in conflict-affected areas, which further destabilizes the local economy and jeopardizes the future prospects of many young people.
According to the SCP-RDC, the current situation exacerbates the sense of precariousness within communities and risks undermining recovery and development efforts in the affected regions. Beyond security challenges, the network warned of the impact of the new Ebola outbreak in certain eastern areas, which complicates medical interventions and response efforts due to community mistrust and misinformation.
In response to the situation, the SCP-RDC called for the immediate and effective implementation of a ceasefire by all parties involved in the conflict. The network advocated for the systematic integration of civil society in all national and international mechanisms dedicated to peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of women's and youth participation.
The SCP-RDC urged for a comprehensive national dialogue that brings together different national components to address security challenges and threats to the country's territorial integrity. According to the network, sustainable peace can only be achieved through a participatory approach that fully involves civil society actors and communities directly affected by the conflicts.
Key points
- The civil society network Service Civil pour la Paix en RDC (SCP-RDC) is calling for greater involvement in peace efforts in eastern DR Congo.
- The SCP-RDC emphasized the importance of women's and youth participation in peace processes.
- The network called for an immediate and effective ceasefire and a comprehensive national dialogue to address security challenges.
