Briefing in MONUSCO Conference Room for the delegation. On the right the head of office M. Cheikh Bangoura, on the left the Police Commissioner of PNC M. Bisengimana. Photo MONUSCO Piergiorgio Paglialonga.

Mbuji Mayi 14 November 2011- As part of his nationwide tour to ensure trouble-free elections, the acting Commissioner General of the Congolese National Police (PNC), General Charles Bisengimana, accompanied by the UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo's (MONUSCO) chief of Police operations, were in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasai Oriental province, today.

The Commissioner General, who is also the President of the National Center for Election Security Operations, noted that Kasai Oriental province is a source of serious concern because of the ongoing charged political tension. He recalled instances of a number of incitements to violence through local media which had led to a series of political clashes.

With regard to the elections due on 28 November, the Commissioner General pledged "additional police personnel to reinforce the security measures in place." He ruled out the use of lethal arms by any police intervention. But he recognized, however, that there remained many security challenges as Election Day drew near.

While addressing the delegation, MONUSCO's head of office in Mbuji-Mayi, Mr. Cheikh Bangoura, reaffirmed the Mission's continued support to all election-related security operations. He further pledged the Mission's provision of logistical support and conducting joint patrols with Congolese national police.

He also spoke of other supporting framework which the Mission is engaged in, including the dialogue between political parties which led to the signing of the 7 November Act of Engagement committing them to peaceful elections. The Mission, he said, had also been involved in training activities to promote awareness of legal texts and respect for human rights among the various stakeholders in the electoral process.

The delegation rounded the visit by meeting the Provincial Governor and officials of the local Center for Election Security Operations (CPO).