The Dynamique de Réflexion et de Sensibilisation des Enfants des Militaires et Policiers de la République démocratique du Congo (DYRESEMIP-RDC) has submitted a comprehensive proposal to contribute to the national dialogue and reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document, presented as a citizen's contribution, prioritizes education, social protection for families of defense and security forces, agriculture, diaspora involvement, and institutional recognition of children of military and police personnel.
In the education sector, DYRESEMIP-RDC recommends establishing an annual scholarship program for meritorious students from schools run by defense and security forces, both within the DR Congo and abroad. The organization also advocates for a large-scale rehabilitation and modernization program for schools administered by the military and police, focusing on infrastructure improvement, digital tool access, and pedagogical equipment enhancement.
The second aspect of the document addresses the social situation of military and police families. DYRESEMIP-RDC believes that protecting those who ensure the country's defense and security should also extend to their families. To this end, they propose free medical care for spouses and children of defense and security forces members. A specific fund to support widows and orphans of military and police personnel who died in the line of duty or during operations is also proposed.
The agricultural sector, particularly maize production, is the third axis of the document. Through the national agricultural project "Le Peuple d'abord," DYRESEMIP-RDC aims to develop large production hubs in various provinces. This initiative could create jobs, improve local production, and reduce the DR Congo's dependence on food imports. The project prioritizes youth involvement, with thousands of young people, including children of military and police personnel, participating in the production chain.
The contribution of the diaspora is another crucial aspect of the document. DYRESEMIP-RDC proposes creating a secure mechanism to encourage Congolese living abroad to invest in DR Congo's development projects. This would facilitate the mobilization of capital, technology, and professional skills available within the Congolese diaspora to support economic and agricultural initiatives. A network of Congolese entrepreneurs and experts abroad could also be established to provide training, mentorship, and accompaniment to young people in various provinces.
Institutional recognition of children of military and police personnel is a primary demand of DYRESEMIP-RDC. The organization seeks official recognition of this category as a vulnerable citizen group requiring special attention from the state. Proposed measures include adopting a decree or presidential ordinance establishing the status of "Enfant de Militaire et Policier" and creating a national service or department specifically for families of the Armed Forces of the DR Congo (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police (PNC).
DYRESEMIP-RDC's proposals aim to integrate the concerns of military and police families into a broader reflection on education, youth employment, food security, social protection, and diaspora skills mobilization. The organization expressed gratitude to the Head of State for their participation in the national dialogue and declared readiness to be among the first "soldiers of state refoundation."
Key points
- DYRESEMIP-RDC proposes education and social protection reforms for children of DR Congo's military and police personnel.
- The organization advocates for agricultural development and diaspora involvement in DR Congo's economic growth.
- Institutional recognition of children of military and police personnel is a primary demand of DYRESEMIP-RDC.
