In a fragile but hopeful security context for Congolese youth, MONUSCO continues its commitment to local communities. In Beni, the provisional headquarters of North Kivu, the United Nations Mission launched, on April 14, 2025, a project to develop the youth stadium in the Matembo neighborhood located in the commune of Mulekera. A highly symbolic gesture that illustrates MONUSCO's desire to strengthen ties with local populations, particularly young people, who are owen marginalized and exposed to manipulation.

On the occasion of the launch of this work, the chief of the Matembo neighborhood, Jacques Manoku, delivered a strong message to the youth of his jurisdiction. Calling for frank and constructive collaboration with MONUSCO, he highlighted the importance of uniting efforts to restore peace and promote local development: "The Matembo neighborhood is home to about 14,000 inhabitants, including thousands of young people who have no space to meet for their activities. The development of this stadium by MONUSCO was a need expressed by these young people, who are owen idle and wander throughout the day," he declared.

A Project with Multiple Dimensions

The MONUSCO initiative, carried out by Indonesian peacekeepers, provides for the complete development of the stadium that meets international standards, 90 meters wide by 120 meters long. The project, which should extend over three weeks, will include tree cutting to clear the space, the creation of a dirt access road, as well as leveling and compacting the soil.

However, beyond the physical infrastructure, it will be a space for life and social cohesion that is being created. "This stadium will help keep these young people active, and can even welcome those from Beni, Mavivi, Oicha, and elsewhere. There is a social dimension to this project, in terms of the cohesion it will foster. This stadium will also be used for community awareness activities and cultural activities, since we do not have a space for this kind of activities," emphasized Jacques Manoku. The chief of the Matembo neighborhood mentioned the past tensions between a segment of youth and MONUSCO, fueled, according to him, by persistent disinformation: "This is a good opportunity to call out to the youth of our entity, who are owen victims of disinformation, and who have sometimes stoned MONUSCO convoys. Due to ignorance of their numerous achievements, some young people develop an erroneous perception of this mission," he regretted.

He called for collective awareness and close collaboration for peace: "I want to tell the youth of Beni, particularly in the Matembo neighborhood, that we should collaborate with our MONUSCO partners. With regard to security, we need to collaborate with them. MONUSCO has already provided vehicles in all four communes to strengthen the security of our city."

Concrete Achievements Serving Development

The neighborhood chief also recalled the numerous development actions undertaken by MONUSCO, whose impacts are visible throughout the region. "The Beni-Mavivi airport is also the work of MONUSCO. We have an asphalted runway. In Matembo, we also have an agricultural service road, which helps us transport food to the city of Beni," he recalled.

For Jacques Manoku, these infrastructures not only contribute to improving the daily lives of the populations, but they also constitute guarantees of long-term stability. He concludes on a note of hope: "Today, they are rehabilitating our youth stadium in Matembo. This stadium will even serve the youth of the city of Beni. That is why I ask everyone to unite as one with MONUSCO so that we can be at peace".

This rehabilitation project of the Matembo neighborhood stadium is a strong signal sent to the youth of Beni: that dialogue, cooperation, and community engagement can contribute to building lasting peace. While challenges remain numerous in eastern DRC, initiatives of this type show that a better future is possible – provided that young people, local authorities, and international partners work hand in hand