Uvira, 14 May 2016 – The report is issued by the coordinating meeting held on Friday 13 May at MONUSCO-Uvira headquarters that was chaired by the new head of Civilian Police/MONUSCO0-Uvira, Clémence Doamba; the purpose of the meeting that brought together MONUSCO civilian Police and DRC national Police (PNC) was to assess security situation in the City of Uvira and to plan joint patrols MONUSCO-PNC as part of civilian protection.

The meeting noted with satisfaction that criminality has decreased in the City of Uvira; statistics suggest that cases of aggression have markedly diminished over the past weeks. MONUSCO-Uvira CIV-Pol explained the decrease in criminality is due to several factors: 1. civilian population’s growing civic sense having led them to gradually break up with the “omerta policy” that no one should denounce suspect persons and movements. “With increased sensitization actions, the population now understand that only men in uniform are allowed to possess weapons, any other person carrying weapons should be denounced,” said MONUSCO Police; 2. Joint actions by MONUSCO/FARDC-POLICE Defense and Security Forces. “Our Collaboration is excellent, we have a common enemy to combat and pursue one common goal: protection of civilian populations,” said MONUSCO representative, highlighting that the Mission not only participates in joint patrols, but also contribute logistic support to PNC in terms of fuel and food stuff; 3. Respect of the good conduct by the Defense and Security Forces who understand and are gradually implementing the code of good conduct for men in uniform.

Participants decided to remain vigilant and to refrain from proclaiming victory too early. Decision was therefore made to intensify joint 7-hour day-and-night patrolling throughout the city of Uvira. The patrols will be conducted 6 days a week.

Jean-Tobie Okala