DRC Progress: programme to support security sector reform - defence component

Since June 2005 the European Union has paid special attention to the defence sector reform initially through the EUSEC mission and now through its successor, PROGRESS. 

The PROGRESS funding agreement, which comes under the framework of the 11th European Development Fund (11th EDF), was signed by the European Union and the DRC on 30 April 2015. 

The initial duration of the PROGRESS project is for six years and its aims are as follows:

• Assist the Ministry of Defence (MDNAC – Ministère de la Défense Nationale et des Anciens Combattants) to plan, implement and follow the Army Reform Plan including modernising the institutional, legal and regulatory framework
• Modernising the administration and optimising its resources including in terms of human resources (from recruitment to return to civilian life) and management of the budget, finances and public procurement.
• Increase efficiency of the control and external accountability mechanisms in the defence sector.  

Activities began in June 2015 with the recruitment and setting up of the Technical Assistance Team.

CIVIPOL is providing the second main expert – support for the reform/training. The expert’s role is crucial in providing advice to the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the General Staff.