Goma, 13 August 2010 - Ending his nearly 72-hour visit to North Kivu, the new Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Roger Meece, left the provincial capital, Goma, in the early afternoon of August 12, heading to Bukavu, in the neighboring South Kivu province. While still in Goma, SRSG Meece met with the local press for over half an hour, at the Mission's headquarters in Goma, after spending two hours visiting internally displaced persons (IDP's) at Nyanzale in Rutchuru territory.

During the Goma press encounter, which concluded his North Kivu visit, the Special Representative recalled the significance of his trip to eastern DRC, which he undertook shortly after assuming his duties as head of MONUSCO.
He described the visit as a reconnaissance, information and education trip to a region he knew already through visits made here a few years ago, during his time as his country's ambassador to the DRC. "It is important that I gain a better understanding of the real problems on the ground, the challenges that currently exist, because this will help me perform my job better"

Explaining what prompted his visit to IDP camps at Nyanzale - some 100 kilometers north of Goma - Mr. Meece said he sought to see first-hand the real problems facing these vulnerable people. "Displaced persons represent a great concern to me. Their daily needs require attention, and conditions must be created which allow them to return to their homes and live in peace. This is something that we will do in partnership with the Congolese authorities and the parties involved"

Asked what his personal touch and his contribution as head of MONUSCO will be in addressing the problems in North Kivu, Mr. Meece said that the Mission will focus on stabilization, and he stressed the importance of the STAREC programme in guiding operations in this regard. But the Special Representative added, "The first priority remains the protection of civilians, including completing the creation of all security conditions for the populations". According to him, MONUC has accomplished many important things which have led to achieving the current results, but that the work that has been started needs to be completed. "We have a basis, and a foundation is already laid down, and we will continue the process in active partnership with the Congolese authorities," Mr. Meece said. He also said he will rely on his North Kivu teams' motivation and field experience.

Regarding the organization of future general and local elections, the calendar of which had been recently published by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the Special Representative said: "I assure you that we will do our best to support these elections. The government expects logistical support from us... Together with other partners, donors and the Congolese government, we will do all we can together to ensure that these elections are held in good conditions, notably that they are fair and transparent elections. We are currently working on exactly what actions we – I mean MONUSCO and UNDP - will undertake in partnership with the CEI to mobilize the necessary resources. I believe we will succeed"

It is worth recalling that during his stay in North Kivu, the Special Representative met with many actors in the local socio-political and economic life and development realm. With MONUC civilian and military officials, political and military authorities of North Kivu, officials of agencies of the United Nations system, and with representatives of international NGO's, Mr. Meece discussed, among other things, the challenges facing the province.

Speaking with MONUSCO and UN system officials, the Special Representative emphasized the concept of "One United Nations" and encouraged each and everyone to work closely together to optimize the impact of UN interventions on the lives of populations.