Matadi, 10 November 2010 - The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Roger Meece, paid his first visit to Matadi on 9 November 2010. It was his first visit to the Bas-Congo province since he assumed duties as head of MONUSCO. On arrival, the Special Representative told his audience that he knew the province and its problems fairly well during his tenure as the U.S. ambassador to the DRC from 2004 to 2007.

Mr. Meece met with members of the Provincial Government as well as those of the Provincial Assembly, the Commander of the 2nd Military Region, the Provincial Inspector of the National Police (PNC), the Prosecutor General, the First President of the Appeals Court, the First President of the Military Court, the High Military Auditor, representatives of the Civil Society and the United Nations agencies' representatives in Matadi.

They discussed, among other things, issues on the political, economic, security and humanitarian situation. The mass expulsion of Congolese from Angola also came under review.

After his meeting, SRSG Meece said: "The discussions that I had with the Governor and the other institutions were very useful for us to continue and improve our activities and our programmes as well."

Speaking to his colleagues in MONUSCO and other UN agencies' Mr. Meece reassured them that the mission's shift in focus to the eastern part of the country does not mean that the problems facing western provinces like Bas-Congo are any less important. The shift to the East, he told them, was because of the continued presence of rebel forces in that region.

He praised the UN agencies working in partnership with MONUSCO, for their role in helping to bring stability to the province.

On the question of sexual violence committed during the expulsions of Congolese from Angola to the DRC, the Special Representative urged the two countries to create discussion forums with civil society's participation. He said that bringing stability to a country is a process that is accomplished over time adding that meeting the many problems involved require mobilising resources that MONUSCO does not usually have.

During his meeting with the military, police and judicial authorities, the Provincial Inspector of the Police (PNC), expressed his gratitude to MONUSCO for the training it has provided for the police. The High Military Auditor expressed his wish for similar training to be extended to the Congolese Army (FARDC).

With reference to elections due next year, Mr. Meece said: "We also discussed the holding of elections next year. We are committed to providing logistical support of MONUSCO to ensure the holding of these elections. UNDP is also committed to continuing its technical support to the Independent Electoral Commission."