Situated in the city-center, Uvira does not have appropriate security infrastructures and its prison is overpopulated which makes it difficult to cope with a fire that might be reported in the prison premises and prevent disastrous consequences on the surrounding area.

So, MONUSCO, whose primary task is to protect civilian population is working with local authorities on preventive measures.

Organized by the section tasked to assist the prison administration, the training is intended for the forty seconded Congolese Police members to secure the prison with a view to preparing them to efficiently fight fires.

The different modules for the training were given by MONUSCO Security Officers and UN Police in 2 phases: 1. Theoretical phase and 2. Practical phase. In the theoretical phase, MONUSCO Fire Safety Chief elaborated on the different types of fire and fire extinguishers available and how to use them when faced with fire in a closed area like this prison.

Then, the Correction Unit presented an evacuation plan for this type of prison and explained how to secure the system, how to deploy a medical team to assist the injured and how to reintegrate the detainees.

A practical session was organized on fire simulation in the prison, how to operate fire control system, defining the appropriate security perimeter as well as the procedures to apply. Another practical session focused on the evacuation of detainees from the prison and how to deploy a medical team and assist the injured.

Detainees also received psychological counselling after being reintegrated into the prison. Throughout the training, the different speakers were insisted on the personal protection measures for the police engaged in the fight-fighting. They also presented safety measures to avert fire damage.

The one-day training was attended by representatives of the territorial Administration, Public Attorney office, Court of the Peace, office of the military Prosecutor, Immigration office, of FARDC command and of the Chief of National Intelligence.