Strengthening Ties: The 10th Session of the Special Joint Commission on Defense and Security

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of the Congo (RC) are holding their 10th ordinary session of the Joint Special Commission on Defence and Security in a move that strengthens the ties between the two neighbouring countries. The session was opened on Monday 11 November by the Congolese Deputy Prime Minister for the Interior, Security, Decentralisation and Customary Affairs, Jacquemain Shabani.

Uniting Forces for a Peaceful Future

“Our two countries are brothers across the border that separates them, and moreover, Kinshasa and Brazzaville are two of the closest capitals in the world,” said Shabani, illustrating the deep-rooted ties between the nations. With the presence of his Congo Brazza counterpart and three provincial governors from the DRC, the meeting aims to foster an environment of peace and cooperation.

A Four-Day Collaborative Effort

Over the course of four days, from 11 to 14 November, experts from both countries will engage in an uncompromising assessment of past recommendations. The meeting aims to address security challenges along their shared border, a crucial step in maintaining regional stability. As Jacquemain Shabani humorously put it, “If we can’t laugh together, at least we can secure our borders together”.

This session will focus on assessing the resolutions of the 9th session, held earlier this year in Ngabé, Republic of Congo. The aim is to analyse the security situation and measure the progress made since then.

Commitment to Cooperation

Both nations are committed to fostering stronger ties. “Let us work on more dynamic and pragmatic mechanisms of peace, cooperation and security for our two states,” said Zéphyrin Mboulou, Minister of the Interior, Decentralisation and Local Development of the Republic of Congo. He assured that his country would never serve as a base for destabilising initiatives against the DRC, adding humorously: “We are neighbours, not enemies.

Looking Back to Move Forward

The governor of Kinshasa, Daniel Bumba, stressed the importance of controlling the flow of people and goods to improve security and increase public revenues. Reflecting on previous sessions, he urged experts to develop strategies that could make their border one of the safest in the world, joking, “Who knows, maybe even safer than a bank vault!”.

At the 8th session in Kinshasa in September 2022, the two countries committed to improving coordination between their security forces to tackle cross-border threats. The 9th session in Ngabé in June 2023 underlined the need to implement these recommendations. During the current session, the focus remains on maintaining a dialogue that ensures peace and prosperity for both nations.

Enhancing Regional Stability

The importance of regional stability cannot be overstated. Both the DRC and the Republic of Congo recognise that their shared border is not just a line on a map, but a critical area that affects the security and economic prosperity of their citizens. By working together, these nations aim to create a secure and prosperous region that can withstand external threats and internal challenges.

The meetings are not just diplomatic formalities. They are platforms for real discussions and decisions that will affect the lives of millions of people. The leaders and experts involved are tasked with developing actionable strategies that can be effectively implemented to address any security concerns that arise.

Progress Made and Future Goals

Looking back at the progress made since the 8th and 9th meetings, it’s clear that both countries have taken significant steps towards achieving their security goals. The focus on improving coordination between security forces has already shown positive results, with a noticeable reduction in cross-border incidents. However, much remains to be done.

The current session aims to build on these successes by introducing new initiatives that can further strengthen relations between the DRC and the Republic of Congo. In doing so, they hope to set an example for other countries in the region and beyond.

Conclusion: A Shared Vision for Peace and Security

As the 10th session of the Joint Special Commission on Defence and Security continues, the commitment to peace and cooperation remains unwavering. Both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo are committed to working together to ensure a future where their citizens can thrive in a safe and secure environment. The bonds between these nations, described by their leaders as fraternal, are a testament to what can be achieved through cooperation and mutual respect.

With a shared vision for peace and security, the DRC and the Republic of Congo are not just neighbours; they are partners in building a more stable and prosperous future for all.

Joram Jojo