EUSEC RD Congo

High Representative Catherine Ashton met the EU heads of mission of the civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions on 29 June 2010. The High Representative and the heads of mission discussed the achievements and challenges of the CSDP missions engaged in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Georgia, Iraq and in the Balkans. Ms Ashton commended the heads of mission for their important work performed in increasingly complex environments and emphasised that the CSDP missions continue to be a major priority for the EU.

Following an official request by the DRC government, the EU decided to establish an EU advisory and assistance mission for security reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ("EUSEC RD CONGO"). The mission was launched on 8 June 2005 and its mandate runs until 30 September 2010.

 

The mission provides advice and assistance to the Congolese authorities in charge of security while ensuring the promotion of policies that are compatible with human rights and international humanitarian law, gender issues and children affected by armed conflicts, democratic standards, principles of good public management, transparency and observance of the rule of law.

 

The EUSEC RD Congo mission also plays a part in the efforts made by the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the African Great Lakes Region in the work being done to implement the statements of commitment for the Kivus.
 

Since 1 July 2008, Jean-Paul Michel is the Head of Mission.

Restoration of governance in general and defence reform in particular remain central factors in creating lasting conditions for stability in DRC. To contribute towards that goal, EUSEC´s continued cooperation with the DRC Government and close coordination of EUSEC with EUPOL RD Congo, the Community activities and Member States' bilateral activities, as well as with the UN and other relevant international actors are of great importance.

 

On 26 April 2010, the Council welcomed the work of EUSEC RD Congo and stressed that defence reform and good governance in the defence field remain key factors in creating conditions for lasting stability and development in the country.

 

The Council underlined the importance of EUSEC RD Congo's key tasks of providing advice and assistance for defence reform with the aim of implementing the Congolese revised reform plan for the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and to translate it into concrete actions. The Council highlighted the importance of political commitment and coordination by the Congolese authorities to take the reform process forward, and the role of the UN, in close cooperation with the Congolese authorities, on SSR.

 

The Council welcomed the end of the census process for the CNDP at the end of November 2009. It emphasised the need to continue work on integrating all former armed groups.

 

The Council underlined the importance of local Congolese ownership in the first instance and the overall EU engagement in DRC in preventing and addressing human rights violations; in the fight against sexual violence and in addressing children affected by armed conflict.