As part of VNG International's "Restoring the contract" Programme, local security committees were recently assisted with the creation of security plans in eastern Congolese territories Kabara, Walungu, Idjwi and Shabunda. Actors involved in the committees include judges, civil servants, and members of police forces or civil society organisations, all present at the local level.
Committee members have been witness to various security incidents and crises. Because of the number and frequency of threats in the area, local security committees generally focus more on quick responses than on strategic approaches or preventative measures. With the help of VNG International, the committees are gradually formulating strategies and steps towards prevention. Through VNG International's capacity building tool, these local actors were able to identify threats affecting the four territories. They were able to see common threats such as the presence of armed groups and the challgenge of legitimacy of local authorities as well as common weaknesses in these local governments, namely their lack of structure, corruption, and impunity. The initiave provided support to the committees to handle these threats as well as offering financial incentive through Performance Based Financing.
This particular cooperation initiative was carried out from 28 September until 17 October 2014. The "Restoring the contract" programme is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is implemented by VNG International in collaboration with Cordaid and the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CIC). In general, this programme aims to increase the performance of public administration, police and justice systems at the local level in order to foster interaction between state and non-state actors.
Original article available on the Platforma website.