Two decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have left 5 million people dead and over 2.5 million displaced. In the volatile eastern region, ongoing violence has hampered efforts to build stability, as has the constant movement of people. It is in this context that Peace Direct partner Centre Résolution Conflits (CRC) has sought to support stabilisation and build lasting peace.
This paper highlights the main successes, challenges and lessons learnt from a CRC project delivered in collaboration with Peace Direct from 2011-2014, with funding from the John Ellerman and Barings Foundations. The project aimed to provide economic and social support to ex-combatants, returnees and women affected by conflict, as part of a holistic approach to DDR that sees sustainable reintegration as the key to lasting success.
