Mbandaka, 26 October 2009 - Equateur province celebrated United Nations Day on Saturday 24 October last, with an official ceremony in the amphitheater of the Superior Institute of Mbandaka, in the presence of two hundred guests, notably the President of the Provincial Assembly, the interim provincial Governor as well as United Nations staff based in the province.
Among the activities organized on this occasion was a poetic recital on the preamble of the United Nations charter read by young students; musical performances on the work of the United Nations; a play depicting the different activities of the United Nations in the province; and an opportunity for the guests to pose questions directly to MONUC or the UN agencies present.
A brief presentation of each of the agencies was read to the audience, explaining their history and mandate but especially their activities in the province. It was reiterated that the United Nations was there to support the DRC, to help the country to rebuild and to preserve its territorial integrity, and to fight poverty, HIV/AIDS, malaria, sexual violence and impunity.
It was also explained that the United Nations could not, under any circumstances, be a substitute for the authorities of the country.
On the evening of Friday 23 October 2009, the exiting provincial Government welcomed the activities of the United Nations in Equateur, and they called on MONUC to remain in the province, at a time when the disengagement of MONUC from western to eastern DRC is on the agenda.
The provincial authorities clearly indicated that without the presence of MONUC, it was argued that not only would this slow the consolidation of the peace process, but the UN agencies would have further difficulties in fulfilling their mission.
In addition, the provincial Government argued that on a social level, Equateur remains in a constant phase of emergency, with regard to socioeconomic data and figures. According to the provincial Minister for Social Affairs and Health, if MONUC were to leave the province now, they would abandon many vulnerable people and communities.
A minute of silence was observed after the reading of the message of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, to honour the contribution of the UN in the province and the country, but in particular to honour the memory of all those who lost their lives for peace in the DRC.
Finally, United Nations Day celebrations for 2009 ended with a soccer match between the United Nations and the FARDC/PNC. The two-two final score reflected a match that was contested in solidarity and peace.