Goma, 19 August 2013 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Martin Kobler, has wound up a three-day visit to the North-Kivu province, which started on 17 August. This field trip was his first in the country since his arrival on 12 August. In Goma, the Special Representative met with provincial administrative and security authorities, as well as UN military and civilian staff, to have a thorough appreciation of the situation on the ground.

Upon arrival in Goma with the Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Mr. Kobler was met by the North-Kivu Head of office, the Mission's military and civilian officials, and the provincial commissioner of the Congolese police.

The Special Representative paid a courtesy visit to the provincial Governor (represented by his Deputy) and the speaker of the provincial Assembly. He held talks with both personalities to discuss their expectations about the work of MONUSCO and the Force Intervention Brigade in the North-Kivu province. The Special Representative further met with the UN troops based in Kiwanja and Sake, located respectively 300 km and 30 km from Goma. He then held a town hall meeting with the UN staff at MONUSCO headquarters.

During his various meetings, the UN chief in the D.R. Congo made clear his determination to see the UN Mission resolve the armed groups' issue, help restore State authority and fulfill its mandate. "I shall do everything in my power to address the armed groups' issue in the Kivus and in the rest of the eastern DRC," Mr. Kobler said.

Maïmouna Traoré/ MONUSCO