By Bernardin Sebahire Researcher at ISDR-Bukavu The emergence of armed groups and their persistence provoke many consequences. In rural areas in particular, the militarization of socio-economic problems has become commonplace. It gets hard to think of rural society outside militia influences, given that armed groups are now an integral part of the social, political landscape and local economy. Their activism also has major consequences on social cohesion. The mobilization of these armed groups by different actors contributes to the deterioration of social relations and increases mistrust within population. They intervene both in conflicts related to access and control of land and minerals, than in socio-economic conflicts, identities, or even in conflicts of customary power and conflicts interindividual. Whatever the reasons for their creation, the Armed Groups (AG) did not negatively impact social relationships. Their presence aggravates the conflicts and maintains permanent insecurity of people and their property, while hampering local development. Peace initiatives at the level of communities that did not take into account the presence of the AGs would not have limited impact; these being an integral part of the society supposed benefit from these initiatives. The reciprocal influence between society and armed groups is therefore become an indisputable reality. Aware of the challenges and experiences of the past, the Congolese government has announced the implementation of a new Disarmament Program, Demobilization Community Recovery and Stabilization (P-DDRCS). This latter suggests a community-based and decentralized approach, led by local populations. Communities are not mere beneficiaries of demobilization and reintegration programs but key players in the process. These communities are at the center of the search for avenues of durable solutions for reintegration and social cohesion. The DDRC is therefore a process of resocialization of ex-combatants with their communities. This process takes place within the very communities that ex-combatants have abandoned for a moment and that they must reintegrate. Permanent executives of dialogue, combined with psychosocial support and the creation of opportunities economic benefits that benefit all communities, are ingredients crucial for reconciliation, the prevention of future (re-)mobilization and the reintegration of combatants. To break the vicious circle of the war economy that has prevailed for decades in eastern DRC, courageous efforts are needed on the in the field, in particular through professional training, tools for development and peace. Based on this observation, the National Institute for the Preparation Professional (INPP) is interested in young people released from forces and groups armed but above all to their socio-economic reintegration. So in Goma, Province North Kivu, DR Congo; 20 young people at risk and 20 demobilized ex-combatants received kits allowing them to start repairing phones after six months of professional training in the repair of cellular devices. After being released by the army, Isaac underwent rehabilitation in a specialized transit center managed by a local NGO partner of UNICEF in Goma, capital of North Kivu. Isaac and four other young people learned electronics and acquired other professional skills. “I would like to stay here for now because the area I come from is not still not sure,” says Isaac. "The rebels are still there, and they risk to kill me." Charles Ndusha, trainer at the youth centre, explains that the process leading to Isaac's trade apprenticeship was grueling. " Our objective is to ensure that these young people are well trained when they leave the center so that they can lead an independent life in their community, in society and in their family,” adds the professional.
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