Kinshasa, 22 May 2013 - The United Nations Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) announces that the Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has started this morning his official visit to the DRC.

This visit should be seen in the context of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region. The visit to the DRC is part of a regional tour with visits also to Rwanda and Uganda, as well as Ethiopia, where the Secretary-General will participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union.

While this visit is taking place in Kinshasa, a rocket was launched from M23 positions this morning in a popular area of Goma, killing one person and injuring four, all civilians. The United Nations Mission in the DRC is also confirming ongoing intermittent fire fighting in Mutaho heights. The situation in Goma remained calm last night.

MONUSCO is confirming that another rocket was launched yesterday evening near the IDP's camps in Mugunga, causing panic among the displaced people. In both incidents, MONUSCO launched a quick reaction patrol to ensure that civilians are protected.

The United Nations mission reminds warring parties that unnecessary killing of civilian, particularly vulnerable civilians such as displaced people, can be considered a humanitarian crime prosecuted by international laws.