The statements were made during his first meeting with the governor of North Kivu province, Evariste Kakule Somo, whom he met in Beni, the provisional capital of the region, MONUSCO reported on its social media account.

The provincial governor thanked the peacekeepers for their cooperation and support in stabilizing the province, the source indicated.

The talks between the two parties focused on the security situation, the protection of the civilian population, and strengthening cooperation between MONUSCO and Congolese institutions at the provincial and local levels, it added.

The meeting is part of the tour that the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the DRC is undertaking, which began yesterday in conflict zones and includes a meeting with political actors and representatives of civil society in Beni on Tuesday.

According to Radio Okapi, Swan lamented that the city and surrounding areas continue to suffer atrocities at the hands of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State that is severely impacting the civilian population.

He advocated for better-coordinated protection, with the participation of Congolese authorities, national security forces, MONUSCO, humanitarian actors, and local communities.

Together with Governor Kakule Somo, he reviewed the recommendations stemming from local peace and stabilization initiatives, primarily those related to a comprehensive response to the persistent threat posed by the ADF.

Both parties agreed it was necessary to integrate preventative measures, community protection, local dialogue, support for victims, the fight against impunity, and the gradual strengthening of state authority.

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