After a delay due to logistical problems, the conference on peace, security and development for the Kivu provinces held its first plenary meeting on Wednesday 9 January 2008. Thematic talks are envisaged on Thursday and Friday and province by province workshops on Saturday, with the last plenary meeting and conference closure scheduled for Thursday 17 January next.

"No socio-professional category will be excluded in the material and technical organisation of the conference," reassured Fr. Malu Malu, who opened the plenary meeting devoted to the presentation and validation of the mandates of the participants, with the adoption of the programme of the conference and the internal rules.

Participants will now discuss the themes of the conference: peace, security, development and the challenges ahead for the provinces of North and South Kivu.

The stakes and challenges of peace to be examined in the two provinces are numerous, according to the DRC Minister of Interior Denis Kalume Numbi.

Mr. Kalume reiterated the nomination speech of Joseph Kabila in 2001, as president of the Republic and head of the transition government.

"In this speech he promised to put an end to the war and to pacify the country. This promise is held," he said, adding that of the 145 territories in the Democratic Republic of Congo 143 are pacified, with Masisi and Rutshuru still experiencing armed conflict.

The harmful consequences of this war have resulted in the internal displacement of more than 800,000 people with a resulting increase in misery and poverty.

According to Minister Kalume, Joseph Kabila wishes to bring peace to North and South Kivu.

"The peace operation has now been launched. 15 government ministers are present at the conference, and the international community is massively represented," Mr. Kalume explained, a testament to the engagement of the DRC president, who initiated the Goma peace conference.

"We are not here to divide power or to re-examine the constitution. It is a deep framework of reflection on the causes of the conflict in North and South Kivu. The base of a true peace in these two provinces must be found at the conclusion of this forum," he added.

Mr. Kalume then stated the recommendations of president Kabila to the participants: "To draw up an action plan to regulate the conflict and insecurity, by taking account of the provincial realities and the geopolitical context of the surrounding sub region."

'Catastrophic' humanitarian situation

The humanitarian situation in the provinces of the North and South Kivu is catastrophic," underlined the DRC Minister for Humanitarian Affairs.

"The Democratic Republic of Congo counts to date more than 6 million displaced persons, of which 1.3 million have been displaced in North and South Kivu. Five million Congolese have died, killed by the war and its consequences. 500,000 women have been raped, and of those, only 5,000 have received treatment," added the Minister, quoting results of an investigation published by his Ministry in 2005.

"The living conditions of all displaced people are inhuman," explained the minister, who called for "integrated action to solve a humanitarian issue which is almost identical in several other provinces of the country."

"80% of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are in the east of the country. But where are the results? The solution does not only remain with the NGOs. NGOs will have to be aligned behind the government, which must determine, through humanitarian law, the partnership between itself and NGOs, as well as other government ministries intervening in humanitarian issues such as health, the interior and social affairs," said the minister.

"The conference on peace, security and development must contribute to the development of a humanitarian plan for North and South Kivu, such as the development of a strategic government plan in general," he concluded.

Energy and provincial development

Several energy resources are unexploited in the provinces of North and South Kivu.

The Minister for Energy, Salumu Banamuhere said: "The development of the provinces of North and South Kivu is part of the rehabilitation of the energy sector, one of President Kabila's five strategic goals. This development is only possible if true peace and security return to the two provinces," he specified, inviting the private contractors and civil society to contribute to the development of the Kivus energy sector.

Good Governance

Good governance is an overall concept embracing all aspects of social life, and development is also dependent on good governance, explained the general secretary in charge of Planning.

"The provinces of North and South Kivu are among the poorest in the country. The situation of governorship and education are catastrophic, resulting from multiple conflicts and tribal hatred in these two provinces," he said.

"Which education system is necessary? How to improve the governorship in the provinces of the North and South Kivu? The Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy Document (DSCRP) provincial will have to be elaborated by the participants. All the projects and viewpoints are to be found there," he expained.

On this subject, the Planning Secretary said that the action of the government consists of the continuation of public awareness campaigns for the people, in order to stimulate citizen participation in the governorship and in the education system for development.