Kinshasa, February 22nd, 2026 (CPA) – The leadership of the Minister in charge of Gender, Family, and Children was praised by Belgian partners during a meeting held Saturday with a delegation from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation based in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“We have a minister who knows where she is going. Her field experience is a major asset, a guarantee for the success of our joint projects,” said David Thonon, Director General of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in the DRC. “This meeting reflects a shared commitment to revitalize mechanisms for the protection of minors in vulnerable situations,” he added. At the heart of the discussions, both parties mainly focused on the operationalization of Congolese childhood policy. “The challenge is to facilitate the implementation of structural reforms by relying on technical expertise, particularly that provided by Mr. Edwin Boevé, a recognized specialist in the sector,” Thonon explained. One of the highlights of the meeting was the announcement of an official visit by the Vice-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Government to the DRC, scheduled for mid-October. According to her, this visit will mark a crucial step toward the realization of bilateral agreements. A formal meeting between the two ministers is being prepared to align agendas and seal mutual commitments. Edwin de Boevé, Director of Dynamo International, recalled the depth of this collaboration, which has lasted for more than a decade. He noted that the cooperation protocol, to be re-launched soon, aims to strengthen the capacities of the entire protection chain. “Street social workers, who intervene with families in difficulty, magistrates, particularly juvenile judges, to ensure the rigorous application of child protection laws,” he specified. This synergy between the Ministry of Gender and Belgian partners will revolve around the National Childhood Plan, with priority given to respecting the fundamental rights of Congolese children. Among sector professionals, the collaboration already promises a positive outlook for the future of youth in the DRC.