Mbuji Mayi, 1st May 2012 – The Office of Public Information and the Police Unit of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) launched on 28 April 2012, a theatre festival in Mbuji Mayi, the capital of Kasaï Oriental province, to sensitize the local population on the Peacekeepers' role in the country and on the Rule of Law.

The festival was organized in partnership with the local civil society in the Kasaï Oriental province, the Congolese National Police Force and the "Conseil provincial de la Jeunesse" (provincial youth council).

The six competing comedian groups are to perform throughout the neighborhoods of Mbuji Mayi, and will be evaluated by a jury at each performance during the whole month of May. The finalists will meet on 29 May, a date which coincides with UN Peacekeepers' Day.

Human rights, sexual violence, the role of the National Police and of MONUSCO with respect to the protection of civilians, as well as the rights and duties of citizens, are some of the themes addressed by the various groups in competition.

Piergiorgio Paglialonga/ MONUSCO