Kisangani, 31 January 2013 – Several dozens of UN peacekeepers deployed in Kisangani, capital of Province Orientale, are being trained by the police of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) on how to maintain and restore law and public order. The training, which kicked off on 28 January, involving 40 peacekeepers (20 Bangladeshis and 20 Egyptians), will end on 8 February.

The training is conducted through theoretic and practical exercises. The techniques are focused around the use of appropriate gear and equipment to control angry mobs.

Trainers said that the violent demonstrations against UN staff in Kisangani following the 20 November seizure of the town of Goma by M23 rebels were at the origin of this training exercise, as a way to increase the level of preparedness of peacekeepers for such events.

Codjo Houegniglo/MONUSCO