Goma, 6 June 2011 - Goma, the capital of Nord-Kivu province celebrated Peacekeepers' Day on 4 June.

The highlights of the event included a photo exhibit on the work of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), a minute of silence followed by a short prayer in memory of the 32 passengers who perished in a UN plane crash in Kinshasa two months ago, and speeches.

Ms. Hiroute Gebre Sélassié, Head of MONUSCO Office in Nord-Kivu praised the "good relations with the local population, including the provincial authorities and parliamentarians", which are instrumental for the restoration of peace to the Nord-Kivu province.

General C.P. Mohanty, Commanding officer of the Nord-Kivu Brigade, for his part, told the officials of MONUSCO, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), and the National Police Force (PNC) attending the ceremony that Peacekeepers "stand ready to make further contributions to the restoration of peace to this beautiful nation."

Mr. Feller Lutaichirwa, Nord-Kivu provincial Vice-Governor expressed gratitude to the international community for the sacrifices made to restore peace to the DR Congo.

The ceremony ended with folk music and dances performed by members of the Indian, South-African and Uruguayan contingents followed by a play performed by a local theatre group around the theme of sexual violence.

Clara Padovan/ MONUSCO