Bukavu, 28 January 2011 – The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN System in the DR Congo, Mr. Fidèle Sarassoro, arrived in Bukavu last Friday at the start of a three-day working visit, accompanied by a high level delegation comprising senior members of UN Agencies and of the Spanish Cooperation.

During his visit, Mr. Sarassoro discussed issues concerning humanitarian work, the overall security situation as well as questions pertaining to stabilization and development with the provincial authorities. The meeting was held at the Governor's office

The Deputy Governor, Jean-Claude Kibala N'kolde, representing the provincial Governor, highlighted the need for public authorities to be involved at every stage of humanitarian projects, from the inception through their design, implementation and evaluation.

With respect to the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme, Mr. Kibala N'kolde said the integration and demobilisation of the majority of armed groups will help authorities address the issue of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, FDLR, and the concerns raised by the people of Hauts Plateaux regarding civil status, restoration of state authority, decentralization and development projects.

For his part, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator, reckoned there was notable improvement in the general situation in South-Kivu despite existing pockets of insecurity as well as major challenges that are facing humanitarian action.

Later in the day, Mr. Sarassoro held a working session with his colleagues from MONUSCO and the United Nations Agencies in the South-Kivu.

The Humanitarian Coordinator visited Camp Saio garrison, and travelled to Miti-Hombo, and Bunyakiri to see first-hand progress made in ongoing UN projects. He then visited Fizi on Sunday, and met with rape victims before winding up his trip with a working session in the South-Kivu.

Alain Likota/MONUSCO