The DRC has launched a national campaign encouraging civilians to voluntarily surrender illicit weapons in exchange for judicial amnesty and material compensation…reports Africa Daily News Desk
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a national campaign encouraging civilians to voluntarily surrender illegally held weapons as part of government efforts to reduce armed violence and strengthen community security.
The campaign was officially launched on Wednesday by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralisation and Customary Affairs Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango. It will run until December 22, according to the Interior Ministry.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the illegal possession and circulation of small arms and light weapons, preventing armed violence and improving security for communities.
Under the programme, people holding weapons illegally are being encouraged to hand them over voluntarily to the authorities. The government says participants will be offered anonymity, judicial amnesty and material compensation under an approach described as “weapon for development object”.
The campaign is being conducted in six strategic areas: Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Tshopo, Greater Equateur, Greater Kasai and Tanganyika.
The National Commission for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and Reduction of Armed Violence (CNC ALPC), under the Interior Ministry, will help oversee implementation of the campaign.
The government has called on provincial and local authorities, community, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and other community groups to support the initiative and help raise awareness among residents.
Public and private media outlets have also been urged to widely disseminate information about the campaign and explain how people can participate.
The authorities are encouraging people who illegally possess weapons to take advantage of the voluntary surrender process, presenting it as a way of contributing to peace and community security.
The campaign forms part of wider government efforts to reduce the proliferation of illicit weapons and prevent armed violence. The CNC ALPC previously said the initiative was intended to contribute to the broader objective of reducing the presence of illicit weapons and supporting peace efforts in the country.
The government said the campaign would continue through December 22, with the six targeted areas forming the main focus of the voluntary disarmament drive.
