Marie-Eve Desrosiers, Center for International Policy Studies (CIPS), University of Ottawa

Haley J. Swedlund, Centre for International Conflict Analysis and Management (CICAM), Radboud University

Our project funds research on the implementation of the Humanitarian-Peace-Development Nexus or Triple-Nexus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as outreach activities to raise awareness and understanding amongst Canadian defence and security actors of the Nexus’ relevance for integrated capacity-building efforts. The Triple-Nexus is the most extensive attempt to-date for the integration of security, development and humanitarian actors around coordinating, financing, and implementing a response to instability and conflict. The approach “capitalizes on the comparative advantages of each pillar… to reduce overall vulnerability…, strengthen risk management capacities and address root causes of conflict” (OECD, 2019:6).

Our project draws lessons from the implementation of the Triple-Nexus across three Congolese provinces—Kasai, Kasai Central, and Tanganyika—experiencing various types insecurity, from low grade violence to precarious stability. What is needed for the successful implementation of the Triple-Nexus and integrated capacity-building across the spectrum of insecurity? How do we best leverage defence and security actors’ expertise in implementing the Triple-Nexus? The project’s core objectives are: (1) identifying the most promising practices for integrated capacity-building, and (2) comparing alternative approaches for integrating defence and security actors, including in partnership with UN missions. Our project centres on interviews and an extensive survey led by a PhD student and three Congolese researchers. It delivers four workshops, briefings and blog posts, as well as a podcast.