“The challenges and delays facing security sector reform in the DRC, in particular
the formation of a unified Congolese national army and the necessary disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) processes for the different armed groups, are currently the biggest threats to the transitional government. The renewed and intense fighting in Bukavu and Goma in recent months, is evidence of the inability of the current regime to effectively guarantee security for its citizens. The agreement between the DRC, Belgium and South Africa as well as Angola to help integrate six brigades before the election (the emergency plan) could in fact help stabilise the east of the DRC as well as support the police in safeguarding the elections in June 2005. An important consideration is whether or not different components of the transitional government will make their best soldiers available for emergency integration.”
