Kisangani, 13 June 2012 – Thirty magistrates in Kisangani, Province Orientale, attended a training workshop from 12 to 14 June 2012 dealing with conflicts resolution in elections. The training was organized jointly by the Council of the High Court and the Kisangani Court of Appeals, with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) through its Rule of Law section.

The aim of the training was to develop the capacity of these magistrates to address electoral disputes, a key aspect of the electoral process and a major challenge regularly confronting magistrates during election times.

In his opening speech, the head of MONUSCO's Office in Kisangani, Helder De Barros, stressed the UN Mission's readiness to support all initiatives and projects designed to promote peace, stabilization and justice. "Adequate treatment of electoral disputes in the DRC", he said, "would help to reduce risks of violent protests following the publication of election results, and by the same token, contribute to strengthening the rule of law."

The participants came from Kisangani, the provincial capital, as well as from the province's towns of Buta, Isiro and Bunia.

Codjo Houegniglo/ MONUSCO