Critical Assessment of the Security Sector Reforms in Central Africa: The Case Study of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Northen Katanga Province, 2011-2014

Abstract

This research study sought to investigate the effectiveness of the security sector reforms (SSR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the Northern Katanga Province, between the years 2011-2014. The purpose of the study was to establish the contribution of security sector reform in promoting sustainable peacebuilding and development for citizens of DRC, in particular the Northern Katanga province. The main problem in the study was to understand the success that the SSR has been in bringing peace and security and the reason of continuous instability in the Northern Katanga Province. The study showed that there is insecurity, killings, and numerous number of human rights violations which are still prevalent in the Northern Katanga since the escape of Gedeon Kyungu Mutanga in 2011. This research study made an attempt to understand how SSR has evolved and analyzed its role in the process of bringing an end to the conflict. It observed that the realization of the governance and transformation is dependent on DRC’s stability. The study argues that the stability of DRC is dependent on how questions of security are undertaken for the protection of the citizens and their belongings. Developing its security sector is central to realizing durable peace. While it too early to assess the whole process in the DRC, this study seeks to highlight some issues emerging as action points to policy and practice.