The walls still shine, and the smell of fresh paint lingers in the air. At the new premises of the Police Child Protection and Prevention of Sexual Violence Unit (EPEPVS) in the city of Bunia, everyone is busy. There is no shortage of cases to handle. In her brand-new, spacious and well-equipped office, Deputy Senior Commissioner Séraphine Falao Mbolyaita beams with pride. For the head of the EPEPVS, the new facility marks a major turning point in the way her unit operates. This improvement was made possible with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
The new premises of the Bunia Police Child Protection and Prevention of Sexual Violence Unit were inaugurated on February 17, 2026. The building is equipped with furniture, computer equipment and solar panels to address challenges related to the electricity supply. The project was funded by the United Nations mission to the tune of nearly US$50,000.
An end to overcrowding
A visit to the premises reveals modern offices, new furniture, a designated reception area and a working environment suited to the needs of victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Previously, the EPEPVS shared a cramped space with other police units, far from the ideal conditions required for work that demands confidentiality and substantial resources.
“We used to share the premises with the Criminal Investigation Police and the Police Unit for Combating Economic Crimes, in a small facility where working conditions were very difficult. There was no privacy to properly receive rape victims; we were mixed in with the other services. It was really difficult to work properly,” recalls Deputy Senior Commissioner Falao Mbolyaita.
This overcrowding made it difficult for investigators to do their work and for victims to be received appropriately.
“People had to stand outside, and it was not uncommon for victims’ testimonies to be heard by everyone passing by,” she explains.
The lack of clearly identified premises was also an obstacle for survivors seeking assistance and protection.
“Victims would arrive but did not know whom to approach. We were mixed in with the other services, and victims were not directed to the appropriate units. As a result, we recorded very few reports of sexual violence,” says the Deputy Senior Commissioner.
In response to this situation, the MONUSCO Police (UNPOL), following advocacy by the Provincial Inspectorate of the Congolese National Police (PNC), funded a Quick Impact Project aimed at improving the EPEPVS’s working conditions. The project resulted in the construction of a building comprising six offices and a waiting room, with separate sanitary facilities for men and women, as well as a shower, to be added soon.
For Commissioner Marie-Guy Thiayga Niang, Head of the MONUSCO Police in Bunia, the facility represents much more than just a building:
“The infrastructure has improved the care provided to victims of sexual violence by offering them a safer, more confidential and appropriate environment. It has strengthened access to listening, referral and assistance services for survivors. The project has contributed to better protection of victims and respect for their dignity. It has also facilitated the processing of cases related to sexual violence by the competent services. The capacities of those involved have been strengthened to ensure a more effective response to victims’ needs.”
Results already visible
Since the EPEPVS moved into its new premises, the impact is already being felt. Cases are being processed more quickly, and victims’ confidentiality is now better guaranteed.
Deputy Senior Commissioner Séraphine Falao Mbolyaita explains:
“Since we moved into our own premises, we have been working under much better conditions. Victims no longer have to wait outside because there is now a reception room where they can be received before their interviews. The same applies to our officers [23 people, including five women]. They have their own offices and no longer have to wander around outside. We now have computers and printers. Before, we had to go to cybercafés and business centers outside to type and print our reports, with no confidentiality whatsoever.”
Despite this progress, several challenges remain. Among them is the lack of transportation to ensure that rape victims can be taken quickly and safely to specialized health facilities.
“We need transportation to take victims to specialized facilities. At present, we do this using our own means: if we have 10,000 Congolese francs [about US$4], we take a motorcycle with the victim to the specialized center. You can see that this is not very professional; it exposes the victims, whereas our work is based on two pillars: confidentiality and promptness,” says Deputy Senior Commissioner Falao Mbolyaita.
Towards a more professional police force
Beyond this infrastructure, MONUSCO continues to support the Congolese National Police through training, the construction of police stations, the provision of crowd-management equipment and joint patrols.
For police authorities in Ituri, this support directly contributes to improving the professionalism of security forces.
Senior Principal Commissioner Gilbert Kalonji Mulumba, acting commander of the PNC in Ituri, welcomes the results of this cooperation:
“MONUSCO Police has built police stations for the benefit of the PNC and renovated buildings, bringing them back into good working condition. It also provides us with office equipment and various training sessions for police officers. All of this helps improve the way we work and, therefore, our professionalism. Among the impacts, for example, we are recording fewer cases of police misconduct during our operations. This support has also fostered in us a stronger sense of responsibility: an accused person remains an accused person, and their rights are better respected. In short, we welcome the support of our UNPOL partners.”
Today, the Child Protection and Prevention of Sexual Violence Unit has a clearly identifiable headquarters suited to its mission. More than just a building, this facility symbolizes the strengthening of the capacities of the Congolese National Police and its commitment to protecting victims.
Jean-Tobie Okala
