A group of about ten students from the National School of Diplomacy, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution of the University of Martyrs of Congo (UNIM-RDC) visited MONUSCO premises in Goma (North Kivu) on May 5 and 6, where they held discussions with civilian and military staff. These exchanges helped them better understand the Mission’s mandate, its operations, organization, priorities, and the challenges it faces.
The Head of Office in Goma, Gani Are, first reminded them that MONUSCO’s presence in the DRC responds to security challenges requiring the Mission’s support. He emphasized that the effectiveness of this action depends on the participation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including local communities.
The discussions between the students and various sections of the Mission focused in particular on the political context of the DRC, support for peace processes, and monitoring compliance with ceasefire agreements.
The students were also briefed on the Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation and Reintegration (DDRR) mechanisms, as well as the central role of human rights in promoting peace and security. Special emphasis was placed on the role of UN peacekeepers in peacekeeping operations.
The visit continued with a presentation on the work of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) and the support it provides for security sector reform and justice reform in the DRC. The students also learned about MONUSCO’s actions in protecting women and children, the role of civil affairs, and the contribution of Radio Okapi to peacebuilding.
Better understanding of the mandate
At the end of the visit, the students said they had learned a great deal about the Mission’s mandate and functioning, admitting that their previous knowledge had been limited.
“We had fairly general knowledge, often based on hearsay. But this visit changed our perception. The population should be better informed through those who are in contact with MONUSCO, so that misinformation can be dispelled within the community and people can better understand MONUSCO’s mandate and everything that is being done on the ground,” said Magalie*, one of the students present.
Patrick*, her classmate, stressed the importance for young people and the general population of better understanding MONUSCO’s mandate and role in the DRC.
“We wanted to visit MONUSCO to understand concretely its role on the ground and see how it contributes to the search for peace in the DRC. I encourage this kind of engagement, because when the intellectual elite is well informed in a comprehensive way, it better understands everything related to MONUSCO’s mandate. I also think this elite can play a role in raising awareness and better informing the population, which sometimes seems misinformed about the actions being carried out. This lack of information often explains certain demonstrations against MONUSCO. Many still believe that MONUSCO alone should solve all the problems we are facing,” he noted.
This visit helped the students better understand MONUSCO’s mandate, the challenges of peacekeeping in the DRC, and the role youth can play in peacebuilding.
Aline Kataliko
