DRC MP Proposes Law to Bar Former Rebels from Army and Government

By The Inspirer.

A lawmaker from the ruling party in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has introduced a draft bill seeking to bar former rebel fighters from being integrated into the national army or government institutions unless they have first been prosecuted through judicial processes.

Trésor Lutala Mutiki, who represents the Mwenga constituency in South Kivu Province, submitted the proposed law to the National Assembly late last month.

He argues that the legislation would help resolve persistent insecurity and recurring rebellions by ending impunity and the recycling of ex-combatants into state positions.

Since the 2002 Sun City peace accords in South Africa—signed between the Kinshasa government and armed groups including the RCD and Jean-Pierre Bemba’s MLC—integrating former rebels into the army and government has been a key strategy to end successive conflicts, particularly in eastern DRC.

Today, many members of the DRC’s army and government institutions are former fighters from various armed movements that previously battled the state before reaching political settlements.

Mutiki’s bill proposes a ban on the recruitment of former rebels into critical state organs such as the Office of the President, Parliament, Government, Judiciary, the Armed Forces (FARDC), National Police, Intelligence Services, and the Directorate of Immigration.

In the draft text submitted to parliament, Mutiki wrote:

“These rebel groups serve no purpose other than seeking a share of political power.”

The bill further stipulates that all ex-rebels must first appear before courts before being reintegrated into civilian life.

For more than three decades, the DRC has been destabilized by armed groups, especially in the east, where the United Nations estimates more than 100 active militias are operating.

Some of these groups have recently formed a coalition known as Wazalendo, which is supported by the government and collaborates with the army in fighting the M23 movement—an armed group Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing, an allegation Kigali firmly denies.

Mutiki’s initiative aligns with a 2022 parliamentary resolution calling for a ban on the integration of former members of terrorist groups into state institutions.

At that time, President Félix Tshisekedi declared M23 a terrorist organization and ruled out negotiations with it, drawing a “red line” against talks.

However, that stance has since shifted. This week, peace talks are expected to resume in Doha, Qatar, between the Tshisekedi government and representatives of the AFC/M23 coalition, aimed at reaching a lasting agreement.

Congolese media report that ruling party MPs—who hold a majority in the National Assembly—are strongly backing Mutiki’s bill, increasing the likelihood of it being adopted into law.