Update on the DRC transition: The case of the Kivu provinces

The document examines the failure of the Democratic Republic of Congo's transitional government to establish security and effective administration in the Kivu provinces. It highlights the persistence of parallel military command structures, the failure of disarmament and demobilization (DDR) processes, and the continued influence of foreign militias and Rwandan interests. While North Kivu shows some economic recovery under Governor Eugène Serufuli, the report warns that systemic corruption, ethnic tensions—particularly regarding the Banyarwanda—and political infighting in Kinshasa threaten the entire transition process.

• The transitional government (TG) is paralyzed by mutual suspicion among its members, leading to a failure in decision-making and the persistence of parallel administrative structures. This has resulted in some provinces, such as North Kivu and North Katanga, having two governors simultaneously.
• The unification of the Congolese army (FARDC) is superficial. Parallel command structures exist where units report to the Maison Militaire in the president's office or to former rebel leadership rather than the official military hierarchy, which has triggered clashes in cities like Bukavu.
• Disarmament, demobilisation and re-integration (DDR) for Congolese forces has been delayed by bureaucracy in Kinshasa and a lack of readiness among international NGOs and UN agencies to handle the caseload.
• Foreign militias and refugees, particularly from Rwanda (FDLR) and Burundi (FDD, FNL), remain present in the Kivus. While some repatriation has occurred, extremist elements within the FDLR intimidate refugees to prevent their return to Rwanda.
• North Kivu has experienced relative economic growth and improved agricultural production under Governor Eugène Serufuli, though benefits are concentrated among a small group of local leaders and RCD officials.
• Widespread corruption and smuggling of minerals like gold and cassiterite prevent the state from capturing revenue. Millions of dollars evade the treasury monthly in locations such as Kitutu, Kamituga, and Walikale.
• Ethnic tensions regarding the nationality of the Banyarwanda persist, fueled by xenophobic discourse from politicians in Kinshasa and clandestine media like Radio Patriot, which incites hatred against Tutsis and Rwandans.
• Rwanda maintains a significant influence in the DRC and continues to conduct 'hit and run' operations in North Kivu. Rwandan officials have threatened to return to the DRC citing security concerns regarding the border.

APA

Romkema, H. (2004). Update on the DRC transition: The case of the Kivu provinces. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/KIVUSMAY04.PDF

Chicago

Romkema, Hans. Update on the DRC transition: The case of the Kivu provinces. Institute for Security Studies, 2004. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/KIVUSMAY04.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Romkema |first1=Hans |title=Update on the DRC transition: The case of the Kivu provinces |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=7 May 2004 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/KIVUSMAY04.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{romkema2004update, author = {Romkema, Hans}, title = {{Update on the DRC transition: The case of the Kivu provinces}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2004}, month = may, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/KIVUSMAY04.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }