Interview 


What is MONUC doing to protect civilians in Kanyabayonga, Luofu and surrounding areas?

We have established temporary military bases in these areas, and our peacekeepers patrol the communities daily. We also have multidisciplinary civilian teams in these areas. They include human rights, child protection and civil affairs specialists. Their close contact with local people improves our ability to read signs of trouble and respond more rapidly if the communities are threatened. Health centres have also been set up in some zones to assist the local population. 


How are MONUC blue helmets working with the FARDC in those areas?

We are assisting the FARDC with logistics, transport, fuel and rations, as well as fire support with our helicopter gunships. We also assist the FARDC commanders in the planning of operations. This is a very important aspect of our cooperation. 


Some humanitarian actors have expressed concerns about their security in North Kivu, what is your impression?

With the agreement ending the CNDP’s rebellion against the government, the security situation in North Kivu is better than it was in the past, but there are always risks and dangers. As you know, the roads are extremely poor and communities can be difficult to access, especially for humanitarians trying to reach isolated areas. We are doing our best with escorts and patrols, but our resources are very limited in this regard, and we cannot ensure the protection of everyone. 


What is MONUC doing to prevent population displacement in North and South Kivu?

As defined by its mandate from the UN Security Council, MONUC’s priority is to protect civilians. The Mission is doing its utmost to protect local communities. We have deployed troops to the most vulnerable areas. I am a frequent visitor to many of these communities. I meet with community leaders and chiefs in order to get a better understanding of their concerns. The FDLR remains a threat to many people, and MONUC is working with the FARDC to dismantle their forces. 


Will operation “Kimia II” cause population displacements? What measures are MONUC and the FARDC taking to address this issue? 

In areas of conflict, sometimes even a rumour of an impending operation will cause population displacements. A number of FARDC integrated brigades have already passed through MONUC’s training programmes and we hope they will be conscious of the need to protect civilians. Sensitisation and communication with local communities in cooperation with the FARDC ahead of any operation is an important aspect of protection. 


Some former armed groups have transformed themselves into political parties in North Kivu. Is this the beginning of a new political era for the DRC?

I think it’s very encouraging that the CNDP and other armed groups have joined the political process. This is the only way forward. One will probably see candidates from these groups in upcoming local and national elections. 


What is the current situation regarding the disarmament and demobilization of Mai-Mai groups in South Kivu? 

There are quite a few left, but the Mai Mai groups are continuing to surrender at regroupment points such as Luberizi and Kalehe on a weekly basis. We hope that this will continue. 


How is the stabilization plan progressing in eastern DRC?

The Prime Minister initiated the plan, and there is a will on the part of the Congolese government to implement it. The rehabilitation of schools, hospitals and other public service infrastructure is included in the plan, and we hope to see magistrates in place for the administration of justice. The international community is supporting the process, but there are capacity constraints in the context of the worldwide recession. Some infrastructure projects including roadworks have started. 


MONUC is expecting more manpower and helicopters. Are there any developments on this front?

This process takes time. We have to await the decisions of the various troop contributing countries, many of whom have resource and equipment constraints in their own countries. But I hope that within the next few months we will see some developments.