Mbuji Mayi, 26 September 2012 – The International Day of Peace 2012 was celebrated in Mbuji-Mayi in a special way.

In fact, in order to galvanize the local population around the central theme for this year's edition, "Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future", the regional office of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) organized a marathon, which attracted hundreds of participants, among them some fifty women. The runners went through the main roads of Mbuji Mayi, the provincial capital, carrying one message: "Rights and Duties for All".

Among the participants were officers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the National Police, as well as local opinion leaders. Given the importance of this celebration, the race received full support from the administrative authorities, including from the provincial Ministry of Sports and Leisure, as well as the provincial Youth Council, and a number of civil society organizations.

Earlier in the day, an official ceremony was organized at the mayor's office, during which speeches were made punctuated by cultural shows. The celebration ended with a prize ceremony recognizing the best performers.

Piergiorgio Paglialonga/ MONUSCO