Martin Kobler, chief of MONUSCO, advocates non-violence for lasting peace in DRC

Kinshasa, 2 October 2015 – “The road to non-violence is often the most difficult to follow, but it is the safest one to guarantee stability and social peace. Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela have demonstrated during their lifetime that non-violent action is not only possible but also the most effective way to obtain lasting and tangible results. The use of non-violence is a proof of courage and conviction,” declared Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC.

Over the past twelve months, hundreds people were either killed or injured in attacks carried out across the country, especially in the east. Innocent victims, children, mothers and fathers were traumatized by the slaughters inflicted on the Congolese people.

“I am deeply concerned by the increasing number of cases of violence throughout the country. I am calling on the Congolese Government to seriously address the root causes of violence, and to ensure an inclusive political process that is respectful of the views and interests of all communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” concluded Martin Kobler.

Note to Editors:

The International Day of Non-Violence is celebrated on 2 October, the day on which Mahatma Gandhi, chief of the Movement for the Independence of India and pioneer of the non-violence philosophy and strategy, was born.

Under the General Assembly Resolution issued on 15 June 2007 (A/RES/61/271), this International Day is an opportunity to “disseminate non-violence message through education and sensitization actions”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and promotes “a culture of peace, tolerance, mutual understanding and non-violence”.