Bukavu, 28 November 2012 – The deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the M23 rebels' occupation of Goma in Nord-Kivu and their advance towards Sud-Kivu generated massive concerns among Congolese citizens. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic Congo (MONUSCO) reported on the arrangements put in place, in consultation with the Armed Forces of the D.R. Congo (FARDC) for the protection of the civilian population in Sud-Kivu.

Is MONUSCO living up to its civilian protection mandate? What, concretely, is the mission doing on the ground? These were some of the most important questions asked by members of the local press during a meeting with MONUSCO officials in Bukavu, on 28 November 2012. The same questions are on the minds of numerous other Congolese, especially in this time of crisis in eastern DRC, not only in Goma, the regional capital of eastern DRC, which as occupied by the M23 from 20 November to 1st December, but also in the surrounding areas, including Sud-Kivu province. The main speakers at this meeting with the local press were Christine Kapalata, head of Political Affairs at the MONUSCO Sud-Kivu office, and General Khalid Javed, new Commander of MONUSCO Sud-Kivu Brigade.

It was recalled at this meeting that civilian protection, support to security sector reform, and support to the electoral process were the three pillars of the current mandate of MONUSCO. Recalling the Security Council Resolution 2053, Ms. Kapalata stressed that all these actions are only in support of the efforts of the Congolese Government, which has primary responsibility for each of these actions. "MONUSCO remained strongly committed to counter the M23 offensive, in collaboration with the FARDC, for the defense of the city of Goma", she said, stressing however that the UN Mission will give full support, but will not replace the FARDC. "MONUSCO is a peacekeeping force established by the Security Council and not a regular army," said Ms. Kapalata, quoting a statement made on Tuesday, 27 November 2012 by Roger Meece, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the DRC and head of MONUSCO.

Fighting between FARDC troops and M23 rebels in Nord-Kivu resulted in massive population displacements from Nord-Kivu to neighboring Sud-Kivu province and across the border to Rwanda. The humanitarian situation deteriorated quickly both in Goma as well as in the surrounding areas that were difficult to access by humanitarian workers. In response to this situation, MONUSCO undertook various civilian protection actions, including monitoring of human rights violations to minimize the impact of the rebel occupation of Goma, evacuating the local authorities from Goma, and supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

For his part, General Javed reported that, to counter the M23's advance beyond Goma to the south, MONUSCO undertook several preventive actions, including foot, motorized, air and lake patrols; reviewing defense arrangements for the Sud-Kivu Kavumu airport; and deploying static combat units in critical areas. According to General Javed, providing this support to the FARDC is essential to stabilizing the east of the DRC.

Alain Likota / MONUSCO