Kinshasa, November 3rd, 2026 (CPA).- The role of traditional leaders in preserving peace and social cohesion in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was at the centre of discussions held on Monday in Kinshasa between the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Interior and traditional authorities, according to a statement received by CPA on Tuesday.
“Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani, held a meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, with traditional leaders from the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu (…).
The discussions highlighted the essential role of traditional leaders in local governance, social cohesion and the preservation of peace,” read a statement from the Communications Unit of the Ministry in charge of Homeland, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs.
During the meeting, according to the document, the traditional leaders presented their main concerns to the Deputy Prime Minister regarding the discharge of their responsibilities, as well as the challenges facing their communities.
According to the source, the meeting took place against the backdrop of a particularly challenging security situation in the eastern part of the country, where the involvement of traditional authorities was considered essential in preventing and resolving inter-community conflicts.
“Through this meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Shabani reaffirmed the importance of dialogue with traditional authorities, whose role is crucial in maintaining stability, strengthening State authority and consolidating peace at the local level,” the Ministry said.
The initiative also aimed to consolidate peace at the local level through enhanced cooperation between political and administrative authorities and community representatives. ACP/