Bukavu, 15 February 2013 – The Public Information Office of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) organized a workshop for local opinion leaders to raise awareness on its mandate and activities. The 20 participants hailed from several territories of Sud Kivu, including Kalehe, Kabare, Shabunda, Mwenga, Walungu, Idjwi, as well as Bukavu, the provincial capital.

The participants were made aware of MONUSCO's role and its concrete actions and activities on the ground in the DRC. The role of MONUSCO is often misunderstood by the general public even as the Mission, through its civilian and military components, carries out a wide variety of activities on a daily basis. The workshop, therefore, sought to highlight these activities, which include providing different types of training, protecting civilians, monitoring human rights, conducting joint (MONUSCO-National Armed Forces- Congolese National Police) patrols, and deploying and redeploying personnel on the ground.

The purpose of the workshop was not only to inform the participants, but also to establish mutually beneficial working relations with them. This, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2053, which "encourages MONUSCO to enhance its interaction with the civilian population to raise awareness and understanding about its mandate and activities," the head of MONUSCO's Political Affairs Office in Bukavu, Christine Kapalata, said in her opening remarks. "The support of grassroots communities is necessary," she added.

Similar workshops are planned for the coming months for local journalists and members of the provincial assembly.

Alain Likota/MONUSCO