The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Martin Kobler, has expressed gratitude to MONUSCO military and civilian staff for achieving so much towards the stabilization process in the country.

The Head of MONUSCO was speaking during a town hall meeting in Goma on 09 September in which he congratulated the staff for all efforts put in place during the difficult times encountered by the mission in combatting rebel armed groups, including the M23, in November 2013.





The SRSG said that all these had been possible with the contribution of all, without which there will be no good stock taking at the end of his two years leadership in the mission. He added that though so much had been achieved like the reconfiguration from west to east, there is still much to be achieved like having inclusive, objective, free and fair elections which are scheduled for 2016.





Martin Kobler said though he was happy to leave after his modest contribution to the peace process, he was also sad because much was still to be accomplished regarding the protection of civilians, the restoration of state authority through the concept of “Islands of Stability”, the neutralization of armed groups, and development in the DRC.





Once again he reiterated that the mission will exit one day but in a way that will ensure that our efforts for peace will not be jeopardized by a precipitated departure. He expressed appreciation for the contribution of the forces, including the Force Intervention Brigade, other military contingents and civilian staff, national and international, commending them for the joint efforts they have made in difficult times. “You did all that for us to achieve good results “he said.





Public perception of MONUSCO in Goma, he continued, has evolved from being hostile at the time of his arrival in August 2013 when the population was throwing stones at his car, to being friendly today because of the Mission’s achievements on the ground today.


The Special Representative called on all to keep up the good work so as to be able to bring peace in the country as a whole. “The country needs to invest in the economic sector to develop the economy, provide education and employment for youths, and other social amenities like the construct ion of roads, hospitals and fighting impunity and promoting human rights.





In very pertinent remarks, the representative of the national staff asked Mr. Kobler to include in his handing over notes to his successor this recommendation: to stay close to the population, identify their problems and seek solution to these problems.





Martha Biongo PIO in Goma