Beni, 10 May 2011 - The Nepalese Battalion based in Beni, in the province of Nord-Kivu, East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), erected on 8 May 2011, an information board on a large stone at the Equator line, in order to mark the area. The mark was initially put in place in 2007 by the 2nd/VIII Indian Battalion of the 15th Maratha Light Infantry based in Beni at the time. The Equator line is situated at 20 km on the road axis Butembo-Lubero in the South of the town of Butembo.

Through this modest undertaking, the Peacekeepers hope to create a tourist attraction, with the potential effect of lifting up the image of the area, and hence, have a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the local people.

The ceremony to uncover the site took place in the presence of several local administrative authorities, as well as members of the civil society, and a large crowd of curious town dwellers.

Major Santosh KARKI/ MONUSCO