FBA in the DRC

Living conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are among the world’s worst. The 2002 peace agreement did not put an end to the fighting between government forces and various armed groups. FBA promotes the participation of women in processes related to peace and security in the DRC, and supports efforts for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants.

The DRC has been plagued by conflict since gaining independence from the former colonial power Belgium in 1960. UN troops have been present in the DRC for over 20 years. MONUSCO is the largest UN peace operation existing today, and is mandated to enforce peace and protect civilians from violence.

Because of the ongoing fighting, the DRC is experiencing a humanitarian disaster. Out of 85 million inhabitants, over two million are internally displaced.

Within the framework of Sweden’s development cooperation with the DRC, FBA is focused on two areas:

Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants
One important part of peacebuilding in the DRC is to disarm combatants, and support their reintegration into civilian life. Communities receiving former combatants need to be prepared for this, and trust must be built between the communities and the returning ex-combatants. Structures that contribute to mobilizing individuals into armed groups also need to be transformed. FBA offers training for key actors within the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process in the DRC.

Women, peace and security
Women and girls are marginalized in processes related to peace and security in the DRC. In 2017, FBA launched a programme for inclusive peacebuilding in the country. The participants, working for both state and non-state organizations, were selected on the basis of their ability to influence the development in the war-torn eastern parts of the DRC. During 2017 and 2018 they were offered training sessions and continuous mentoring on integrating a gender perspective into their peacebuilding work. This includes, among other things, to promote the equal participation of women and men and to address the different security needs of different groups. During 2019 and 2020, FBA is focusing on the promotion of gender mainstreaming within the participant’s organizations.

Click here to read the entire strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with the DRC 2021 –2025.

New FBA engagement in DR Congo

Launch of FBA’s peacebuilding programme in Congo

Photo: MONUSCO

”Peace can no longer be taken for granted - we should all realize that and do more to defend it."

Since 2018, Fredrik Wesslau has been seconded by FBA to the EU advisory mission in Ukraine (EUAM). In the role as Deputy Head of Mission, he is part of leading the organization's daily work and strategic direction.

2022-09-29 14:51

On international deployment

Teresa Wiklund

Monitor at EUMM in Georgia

Kajsa Norman

Election observer

Kristian Edqvist

Training manager in Brussels

Catalina Perdomo Rodriguez

Adviser to the UN in Colombia

Karolina Riedel

Statistician in election observation missions

Björn Tedeman

Election observer

Read our publications

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On October 25, 2021, Puntland became the first federal member state in Somalia to hold democratic elections to district councils. “One person one vote” elections were conducted in three “early districts” of Eyl, Ufeyn and Qardho. In addition to their historic significance, these elections offer an important opportunity to learn lessons, not least when it comes to the promotion of gender equality and the political participation of women.

Documents

Gender Assessment of the 2021 Electoral Process in Puntland

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