Collège des Hautes Études de Stratégie et de Défense

The Collège des Hautes Études de Stratégie et de Défense, acronymed as CHESD, also known as the College of Advanced Studies in Strategy and Defense, is the highest institution for military education focused on national security under the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Situated within the former base of the operational reserves of the Force Publique on the Avenue du Haut Commandement in Kinshasa's Gombe commune, it provides training for general and senior officers, along with colonels of the FARDC. Incidentally, the institution offers postgraduate programs tailored for senior executives, both civilian and military, coming from domestic and international backgrounds.

The program is designed to encourage forward thinking and in-depth research on strategic security and defense issues in the DRC, Africa, and the global stage. While firmly grounded in its Congolese identity and regional aspirations as a school of war, CHESD draws inspiration from French, Belgian, American, and Chinese models of tertiary institutions.

Organization and functioning
The CHESD is composed of seven main bodies:

Board of directors
The board of directors sets the institution's direction and oversees its operations. Comprising distinguished personalities, including the Minister of National Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Reintegration as its chair, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other key figures, the Board defines the college's policies, approves training programs, budgets, and financial statements. The Board convenes twice a year in ordinary sessions, with provisions for extraordinary meetings when the college's interests demand.

Commandment
The Commandment, led by a general officer appointed by the president of the republic, plays a pivotal role in ensuring CHESD's operational success. Supported by a team including a deputy, private secretary, legal adviser, and a financial director, the Commander oversees College activities, coordinates departmental functions, and ensures the smooth execution of the approved training program. The Commandment's responsibilities extend to budget management, administrative and accounting regulations, and the security of the college's computer systems.

Academic affairs
The Department of Academic Affairs, often referred to as the brain behind CHESD's training policy, focuses on implementing the college's training program blocks. This department ensures the seamless execution of the training program, tracks academic progress, evaluates individual and collective achievements, and recommends commendations for students completing their training. By fostering an environment of academic excellence, the Department of Academic Affairs is integral to CHESD's commitment to producing skilled military leaders.

Foresight in equipment and technologies
CHESD's Department of Foresight in the Field of Equipment and Technologies serves as the intellectual hub for anticipating the future of security and defense strategies. This department evaluates technological developments impacting defense policy and the military apparatus, collaborates with the academic affairs department to propose relevant themes for the training program, and assesses the efficacy of current equipment used by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Doctrinal studies and strategic research
The Department of Doctrinal Studies and Strategic Research embodies the intellectual pulse of CHESD, advancing the institution's research endeavors and strategic insights. Responsible for developing, supervising, and evaluating research in the domains of military strategy, military doctrine, and defense force use, this department also manages the college's library and multimedia center, organizes symposiums, conferences, and seminars, and facilitates collaborations with universities and research institutes.

Administration and stewardship
The Department of Administration and Stewardship serves as the foundation of CHESD's operational efficiency. This department is dedicated to managing human resources, overseeing training support related to equipment, infrastructure, and services, and ensuring the daily administrative and technical functions of the college operate seamlessly.

History
Before the establishment of CHESD on the premises, the area was previously known as Force Publique Depot in the Congo Free State and Belgian Congo. The colonial army, the Force Publique, maintained a supply depot on the site along the road to Camp Leopold II (now known as Camp Kokolo).

On July 28, 2017, the fully reconstructed facility was inaugurated as the Collège des Hautes Études de Stratégie et de Défense (CHESD) by then-president Joseph Kabila.

In April 2019 the United States Embassy in Kinshasa announced the organization of civil-military operations training for senior officers of the FARDC at CHESD. The goal of the training is to improve relations between the civilian population and the military, strengthen good management practices, increase the professionalism of the FARDC, and create responsive and responsible military forces towards the citizens. The training will cover specific topics such as human rights, the prevention of smuggling of humans, drugs and weapons, and the prevention of the recruitment of child soldiers. The training will be delivered by an experienced retired team of senior US Army officers with considerable experience in civil-military operations. This training has been organized by the United States Department of State.