UN mission head calls for dialogue, joint efforts to ensure stability in eastern DR Congo

The head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) said Wednesday that he discussed with provincial officials the need for dialogue and fighting against impunity as well as joint efforts to achieve lasting stability in the face of persistent security challenges in the eastern part of the country.

Speaking to reporters in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri province, James Swan reaffirmed the UN mission's commitment to continuing its mandate, with a priority given to the protection of civilians from the threat of armed groups in the restive provinces of eastern Congo.

“Civilian populations continue to be affected by the violence of armed groups, causing massive displacement and inter-community tensions,” he said.

The UN mission will continue to “ensure the direct physical protection of hundreds of thousands of displaced people in close collaboration with Congolese forces.”

He stressed the importance of enhanced coordinated response involving key actors, including Congolese authorities, security forces, MONUSCO, humanitarian actors and local communities.

Swan started a field tour this week in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, which have been particularly affected by violence. It marks his first visit to the field since taking office earlier this month in the capital Kinshasa.

Robert Seninga, the president of the North Kivu Provincial Assembly, said the problem of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, which have been accused of committing numerous serious abuses against civilians in the two provinces, should not be considered solely as an internal matter of Congo.

He appealed to the peacekeepers to ensure the effective monitoring of the ceasefire between the rebels and the government in eastern Congo and the protection of civilians.