Goma, 8 February 2012 - Following the July and August 2010 mass rapes perpetrated by presumed elements of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) against civilian populations in Luvungi, about 40 km from Walikale, Nord Kivu province, that caused thousands of villagers to flee their homes, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), and UN agencies initiated a project to reinstate security in the region. The project consisted of constructing residential homes and a fully equipped police station. As a result, about a hundred National Police elements were deployed in Luvungi as from early 2011. To date, the police presence has facilitated the return of nearly 4000 villagers who are now living peacefully.

An evaluation mission comprising experts from MONUSCO Police, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), NGOs and several national authorities, travelled to Luvungi on 1st February 2012 to assess the impact of the police deployment and its contribution to the return of the local population.

The evaluation mission was also an opportunity to celebrate the return of the displaced population. About a hundred women, the majority of whom were rape victims, met with the delegation on arrival. The mood was festive. Changes were visible everywhere in the town.

Today, the population feels entirely confident, and can express itself freely. Economic activity around the village is picking up, and the villagers are now contemplating the future, leaving behind a painful past. Moreover, the perception of the National Police, which was tarnished by suspicions, is slowly becoming positive, characterized by confidence and mutual respect between the police on the one hand, and the villagers on the other.

In his introductory remarks, the village chief, Safari Ngendo, highlighted the importance and advantage of the police presence. "I strongly hope that the project will be sustainable, for, any attempts to withdraw the police would be disastrous as it would signal the return of the FDLR with all the consequences one could imagine," said Mr. Ngendo. Rape victims' representative, known as Ms. Zaina, welcomed "the efforts made by everyone to ensure collective security for the population", adding that she "hoped such efforts would continue."

This ceremony marked the first time that Congolese authorities were visiting the area since the tragic 2010 events.