Kisangani, 27 June 2013 – Congolese women's involvement in the implementation of the Addis Ababa's Framework for peace, security and cooperation in the DR Congo and the Great Lakes Region as well as the resolutions 2098 and 1325 of the United Nations Security Council were at the heart of a debate held in Kisangani, Orientale province, on 27 June 2013. The meeting held at the French cultural center Alliance française under the auspices of MONUSCO, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was a brainstorming encounter on the role of women in the implementation of the Framework Agreement for peace, security and cooperation signed in Addis Ababa last February.

About 60 women from political parties and women networks, alongside MONUSCO, took part in the debate.

MONUSCO representatives who acted as facilitators in the meeting, tried to help the participants reconcile the Framework Agreement and the Resolution 2098, which reframes the new UN mandate in the DRC. "This is a great opportunity for the women of this province, which is among the most affected by armed conflicts with direct consequences on women and children; women's involvement is, therefore, critical for a successful ownership of conflict resolution, peace restoration and the stabilization process in this province and throughout eastern DR Congo," said Helder De Barros, chief of MONUSCO office in Kisangani.

Codjo Houegniglo/ MONUSCO