No issue is more important than security sector reform in
determining the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s
prospects for peace and development. Two particular
challenges loom large: the security services must be able
to maintain order during the national elections scheduled
for April 2006 and reduce the country’s staggering
mortality rate from the conflict – still well over 30,000
every month. On the military side, far more must be done
to create an effective, unified army with a single chain of
command, rather than simply demobilising militias and
giving ex-combatants payout packages. International
attention to police reform has been much less than that
given to military restructuring: the limited efforts have had
some important successes but suffer from a patchwork
approach that largely neglects the countryside. Establishing
a secure environment is not possible without a thorough
security assessment that takes into account the country’s
risks, needs, capabilities and financial means. A realistic
plan is needed that defines the role of the security forces
and reconciles their needs and means for a sustainable
future.
Reform of the army is far behind schedule. Eighteen
integrated brigades were supposed to be created before
elections but only six have been deployed, some of which
are as much a security hazard as a source of stability, since
they are often unpaid and prey on the local population.
The police are supposed to be responsible for election
security but are no match for local militias in many parts
of the country.
