Rutshuru, 27 June 2015 – The accelerated basic training for 400 Congolese National Police personnel in the North-Kivu province initiated by MONUSCO Police Component was officially closed on 27 June 2015 by General AWACHANGO Vital, Provincial Commissioner of the Congolese National Police in the North-Kivu with an official ceremony organized at the RUTSHURU Administration facility.

Certificates were symbolically awarded to 8 best learners, (two per territory: GOMA, RUTSHURU, WALIKALE and MASISI); the laureates expressed their satisfaction in a message thanking the authorities and the different actors who contributed to the organization of the training. The learners pledged to apply the knowledge acquired from the training during their missions.

They expressed gratitude to the public who came in a large number to watch the exercise on how to disassemble and reassemble parts of AK 47 weapon, police intervention technics with or without weapons, removing road blocks, performed by the formed police unit.

All the RUTSHURU police components, learners from other territories and women associations paraded to the rhythm of music performed a civilian band.

Delivering the closing remark in Swahili and Lingala, the representative of the North-Kivu Governor declared that Police is apolitical and against ethnic divisions. He urged the police to work for unity, peace and development for the country in general and the North-Kivu in particular. Several speeches were delivered on this occasion.

The chief of GOMA sector, FAKOUO Zakarie representing the head of MONUSCO office reiterated MONUSCO’s resolve to continue to support its partnership with the Congolese National Police through MONUSCO police component. He further said MONUSCO is appreciative of the high level collaboration and open-mindedness displayed by the North-Kivu Provincial Commissioner as well as the interest shown the PNC Commissioner General BISENGIMANA in favor of this partnership. He thereafter applauded the effort made by the United Nations police personnel in reducing the number of untrained police officers in the North-Kivu province. He announced other trainings in the days ahead for the Congolese National Police.

Then, the representative of MONUSCO Police component, Belco DIALLO, Chief of Operations highlighted in his speech Mission’s determination to pursue the training activities for PNC’s capacity-building, the restoration of the state authority and stabilization. He expressed deep gratitude to the Chief of MONUSCO Office for his support to the PNC-initiated projects within the framework of capacity-building, urging them to continue to serve the Congolese population.

Ms. LIBERATA, Deputy Administrator said RUTSHURU was proud to host such an activity, a symbol of confidence and peace.

In his closing remarks, the North-Kivu Provincial Commissioner, General AWACHANGO Vital, representing the Governor of the North-Kivu province declared that the training of the 400 police officers was part of the United Nations mission consisting, inter alia, in building PNC’s capacities. General AWACHANGO underscored that the choice of RUTSHURU is a strong indication that progress is being made in the restoration of the state authority, peace with the help of the community policing. He reiterated North-Kivu officials’ commitment to support the activities for the National Police, especially those relating to training and expressed deep gratitude to MONUSCO and its Police Component for organizing refresher course for the Congolese police. He further requested UN support to perpetuate the gains. He urged learners to daily apply the knowledge gained in maintaining discipline, pursuant to the national laws in force and the international norms. He also recalled the police mission, namely to protect the people and their properties as well as the institutions and to enforce compliance with the laws of the country. He at last highlighted that this training would help ensure security during the elections and once again requested MONUSCO’s support through its Police Component.

Written by UNPOLs Macky Sissoko and Mbaye Sady Diop