Tchomia, 13 August 2026 – In Tchomia, reintegration is also about protecting communities. In this locality located approximately 65 kilometres south of Bunia, in Ituri Province, demobilized former combatants are actively participating in public awareness efforts against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The initiative is being implemented by the NGO Hope for Peace and Development (HPD) and the Network of Associations for Sustainable Development (RAD ASBL), with support from MONUSCO’s Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Stabilization Section (DDR-S), in support of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme (P-DDRCS).
A total of 32 community mobilizers are involved in Ebola prevention and response activities, including 27 demobilized former combatants benefiting from the P-DDRCS. Before their deployment, they received specialized training on prevention measures, early detection of suspected cases and community awareness-raising techniques.
Community Outreach at the Heart of the Town
Since the launch of the campaign, the mobilizers have been visiting several high-traffic locations across Tchomia, including the central market, the town center, restaurants and the animal feed production site. Their mission is to inform residents about the risks associated with Ebola and promote behaviors that can help prevent the spread of the disease.
During their interactions with community members, they emphasize the importance of regular handwashing, the prompt identification of suspected symptoms and the immediate reporting of suspected cases to health authorities.
This community-based approach helps strengthen public vigilance while highlighting the positive role that former combatants can play in their communities following their demobilization.
Building a Better Future Through Vocational Training
Alongside the awareness activities, a vocational training programme will soon be organized for 233 beneficiaries, including 87 former combatants and 146 community members, among them 66 vulnerable women.
The training will focus on modern techniques for processing nutritious animal feed for fish farming, poultry production and other livestock activities. The objective is to create local economic opportunities and support sustainable income-generating activities.
These training sessions are useful because they will bring feed ingredients closer to fishermen and fish farmers, reducing dependence on supplies from neighboring countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, where these products are generally very expensive. We will now produce them locally, enabling fishermen, including former combatants who have chosen this sector, to invest in environmentally friendly and responsible fishing. It will also provide them with a source of income and help prevent them from returning to the bush
Former Combatants Serving Public Health
For MONUSCO, the involvement of these former combatants in the fight against Ebola is a tangible example of their contribution to community development and security.
“This action illustrates their involvement in community life after demobilization,” said representatives of MONUSCO’s DDR-S Section in Bunia.
Beyond responding to a public health emergency, the initiative also supports the social reintegration of former combatants, strengthens community cohesion and contributes to stabilization efforts in a province facing multiple challenges.
Empowering Communities to Combat Ebola
According to the project partners, the participation of former combatants in prevention campaigns helps build a model of reintegration based on community service and civic responsibility.
“The idea here is to make these former combatants and community members active participants in the fight against Ebola,” said Florent Nzama.
Through this initiative, MONUSCO, its partners and the P-DDRCS are demonstrating that former combatants can become agents of positive change by putting their experience and energy at the service of community protection and recovery efforts in Ituri.
-Jean-Tobie Okala
