The work of the eighth platform on disaster risk reduction has been taking place in Kinshasa since Monday 30 September in Kinshasa. For this edition, the theme chosen is « working for an inclusive approach and better monitoring of the implementation of the SENDAI framework in Central Africa ». Chaired by the Congolese Minister of National Solidarity and Humanitarian Action, Steve Mbikayi, the official launch of this annual meeting, which brings together experts from 12 Central African countries, took place on 30 September in Kinshasa.

For 5 days, experts and representatives of the institutions that accompany the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) share their experiences and progress made in promoting the prevention and management of risks related to natural disasters and climate change.

According to the organizers, the eighth platform on disaster risk reduction will this time serve as a technical segment for the fourth Central African Ministerial Conference scheduled for 4 October in Kinshasa.

In his remarks, Steve Mbikayi hoped that the work in Kinshasa would lead to concrete results.

« By bringing together our points of view, our expertise, our experiences on the ground and by adding the will to act, we have the firm assurance that the conclusions that will come out of this eighth platform will constitute an important contribution to justifying a solid foundation for the implementation of the SENDAI framework in our respective cities, » said the Congolese Minister for Solidarity and Humanitarian Action.

He reassured that the new Congolese government plans to make this disaster risk management and reduction platform effective and more operational at the national level.

To this end, the DRC is considering the creation of a school programme on this issue from basic education to higher level.

For ECCAS officials, this regional organization must play a leading role in sub-regional and cross-border coordination.

« These actions are in line with our organization’s strategic vision for 2025. It recognizes the importance of the sector of the fight against climate change and desertification, peace, security and above all the prevention and management of natural disasters, » said Mfoula Thérèse, Deputy Secretary-General of ECCAS.

This organization is also called upon to support the efforts of States, local and national authorities to reduce vulnerability to hazards and improve preparedness measures.

Olivier Kamo