Civil society in Beni Territory, North Kivu, has been provided with a modern building funded by MONUSCO through its Civil Affairs Section. The official handover took place on 17 February 2026 in Oicha as part of a Quick Impact Project (QIP). This infrastructure aims to reinforce local capacities, prevent and resolve community conflicts, and promote peace in a region frequently affected by insecurity.
The building offers secure spaces for meetings, dialogue and consultation, enabling civil society actors and the community to work effectively.
A modern and inclusive structure
Costing USD 48,681, the building was completed in three months with community participation. It includes:
- an office for the president,
- an office for the rapporteur,
- a reception area for the secretariat,
- an archive room,
- a large meeting hall.
According to civil society president Omar Kalisya:
“MONUSCO has given us this building, and we are grateful. We can now store our data and hold meetings with the population, by structure and by component. With good lighting, even at night, we can work continuously. This is an achievement and a continuity. Keeping this building is our responsibility.”
The infrastructure is open to youth, women, human rights groups, minorities, persons with disabilities, and inter-ethnic or faith-based organizations. It supports the government and its decentralized bodies.
It also provides a platform for discussions on Protection of Civilians (POC) and the P-DDRCS, strengthening security and social cohesion.
Management will be handled by the civil society coordination of Beni‑Oicha, ensuring local ownership.
MONUSCO and local authorities: a shared commitment to peace
According to Obatoki Salami Adam, MONUSCO Civil Affairs Officer in Beni:
“This project finally provides civil society with a fixed address and a working space for dialogue, reflection and peacebuilding. This missing link has now been filled thanks to the commitment of local actors.”
Territory assistant administrator Colonel Marcel Kaloni added:
“MONUSCO has also funded other infrastructures, such as the Gender and Family service, Social Affairs, Youth, the police and the land service. Today, Oicha benefits from a civil society building. Other localities should follow because young people need spaces to gather, exchange, and reinforce cohesion.”
This building offers a long‑term framework for community dialogue and peace initiatives, strengthening civil society’s role in promoting stability and social cohesion in Beni Territory.
Martial Mukeba wa Mukeba & Jean‑Tobie Okala
