In the Beni territory of North Kivu, the Watalinga Chiefdom and the Ruwenzori Sector have reached an important milestone in strengthening local security governance through the updating of their Local Security Plans (LSPs).
Originally developed in 2019 under the “Together for Beni” project with support from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) as part of its stabilization program, these plans have now been revised to address current security challenges.
Three years after their implementation and having become outdated since 2022, the Local Security Plans were adapted to the evolving context through renewed technical support from MONUSCO.
These strategic documents serve as essential tools for improving civilian protection, enhancing coordination of security interventions, and providing appropriate responses to persistent threats in the region.
An inclusive and participatory process
The updating process took place from May 25 to 30, 2026, in the localities of Kamango and Mutwanga, respectively, and brought together nearly 60 local stakeholders.
Participants included political and administrative authorities such as the Mwami of Watalinga, His Majesty Mwami Bhalitusuka Saa Mbili IV Pascal, the Head of the Ruwenzori Sector, and local group leaders.
Representatives of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR), the Congolese National Police (PNC), and the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) also took part in the discussions, alongside members of civil society, including youth representatives and women’s organizations.
All participants contributed to a participatory security assessment aimed at jointly analyzing local security dynamics and identifying practical solutions.
Prior to the exercise, a capacity-building session facilitated by the General Inspectorate of Territorial Administration strengthened participants’ understanding of security governance, as well as the role of Local Security Committees (LSCs) and Community-Based Local Security Councils (CLSPs). The training also helped foster closer relations between local authorities and communities.
Clearly defined security priorities
In the Ruwenzori Sector, the updated plan identifies six major challenges: porous borders, poor road conditions, the circulation of foreign currencies at the expense of the Congolese franc, the continued activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), land conflicts, as well as drug abuse and prostitution.
“This plan reflects realities on the ground. It sets out a clear vision, concrete priorities, and collaborative mechanisms designed to prevent insecurity, strengthen social cohesion, and build trust between the population and institutions,” said the Head of the Rwenzori Sector, Japhet Kasereka Mapati.
In the Watalinga Chiefdom, five priority issues were identified: armed banditry, land disputes, conflicts related to the boundaries of Virunga National Park and neighboring communities, the threat of Ebola virus disease, and the activities of the ADF.
Nzangura, President of the Youth Council of the Rwenzori Sector, welcomed the achievements of the process and emphasized the crucial role of young people in peacebuilding:
“We have gained valuable new knowledge about local security governance. As young people, we have an important role to play in restoring peace, particularly through close collaboration with local authorities.”
A Roadmap for the next three years
The updated Local Security Plans will serve as a strategic framework for the next three years. They will provide clear guidance for planning and implementing security-related actions while promoting a participatory and coordinated approach to addressing security challenges.
These documents are part of MONUSCO’s efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for the protection of civilian populations and to support the broader transition strategy.
Jean-Tobie Okala & Clément Ngoma
