Dr. Jean-Pierre Balume

Dr. Jean-Pierre Balume is a Senior Security Fellow at the Kivu Research Institute, specializing in localized governance structures and regional border security across the Great Lakes region. Dr. Balume leads research programs focusing on community defense mechanics, the security-development nexus, and customary resource management.

Prior to joining KRI, he held advisory and analytical positions at various international policy entities, and conducted long-term fieldwork across Rutshuru, Masisi, and Nyiragongo territories. He publishes extensively on informal tax regimes and border dynamics in the Kivu region.

He coordinates close collaborative programs with the University of Goma and regional civic bodies to translate empirical security data into actionable policies for sustainable peacebuilding.