Kinshasa, 16 January 2017 - The United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Said Djinnit, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Congo (MONUSCO), Maman Sidikou, kick-started a series of joint consultations in Goma and Kinshasa, DRC, on 12 January 2017, to address the presence of elements of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) in eastern DRC.

While in Goma, the UN officials met the Governor of North Kivu, Julien Paluku, and the SPLM/A-IO ex-combatants accommodated in Munigi camp, in addition to receiving briefings by humanitarian and legal experts. Governor Paluku expressed serious concern at the potential for further destabilization of the situation in North Kivu if the SPLM/A-IO elements are not relocated as soon as possible. He requested the support of the United Nations in facilitating the relocation of these elements without further delay.

The SPLM/A-IO elements expressed their deep appreciation to MONUSCO for its efforts and support. Renouncing any intention to return to fighting, they requested the support of the United Nations to be reunified with their families in the region.