Kinshasa, 7 July 2011 - As they rose from their three-day meeting in Kinshasa today, Heads of Offices of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) will be returning to their various bases satisfied that they were better equipped to successfully translate the new Security Council Resolution, 1991 that extended the Mission's mandate for another year into action.

They were in Kinshasa for their biennial meeting which, this time came less than a week after the extension of the mission's mandate. The meeting also attracted the military commanders in the sectors as well as the Mission's partners within the United Nations system, especially those from the humanitarian cluster.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Roger Meece, set the tone for the meeting when, as he welcomed the participants, told them of the reasons why MONUSCO should be proud. He spoke of the Mission's innovative practices for the protection of civilians and the general increase in effectiveness of "our military and civilian protection operations."

Mr. Meece informed the gathering of the positive comments and support that the Mission received from the Security Council members for what the mission accomplished in its first year of operation. But he also outlined some of the challenges ahead. These include the supportive role that the Mission is expected to be playing to ensure peaceful, transparent and democratic elections.

During their deliberations the participants had an in-depth examination of the new resolution and provided recommendations to ensure its successful implementation.

Key among the issues discussed was the protection of civilians for which both the Force and representatives from the humanitarian clusters exchanged views that are aimed at improving an already encouraging result the mission has recorded so far.

There were also extensive discussions on the Mission's role in:
Supporting the organization and conduct of national, legislative and local elections through the provision of logistical support;

Facilitating enhanced and regular dialogue with the CENI, including through the Election Partnership Committee and assistance in advising the Congolese authorities with election-related security preparations and Progress made so far with the peace consolidation programme for which the new resolution calls on MONUSCO to continue to work with the United Nations Country Team and the Congolese authorities towards its adoption and implementation.

The gathering also afforded the Heads of Offices an opportunity to avail themselves of some of the new policies of the UN's Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support as they touch on administrative and operational matters.

George Ola-Davies/ MONUSCO