Lubumbashi, 1 June 2011- In an effort to be on par with the rest of the provinces that celebrated Peacekeepers' Day in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Lubumbashi Office of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) in Katanga province, observed this day on 1 June, three days after the traditional date set for the occasion.

The event was marked by a flag raising ceremony, followed by a minute silence in memory of peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.

Present at the ceremony was the Vice-Governor of Katanga, Mr. Guibert Paul Yav Chibal who in his address to the peacekeepers underscored the importance of peace in his country in light of the current electoral process.
The UN Secretary-General's message for the occasion was delivered by the Head of MONUSCO's Office, Mr. Guirane Ndiaye.

Other key personalities at the ceremony were the Commander of the National Armed Forces (FARDC) of Katanga's 6th Military Region, the Deputy Provincial Inspector of the Congolese National Police (PNC), the Belgian Consul, as well as several Heads of UN agencies.

Tahirou Diao/ MONUSCO