“The start of [the Government’s] STAREC [stabilization and recovery programme] and today’s launch of the stabilization and recovery fund are perfect examples of the way in which the United Nations and its international partners work in the DRC in supporting sovereign national authorities for the populations benefit,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Alan Doss told the launching ceremony in Kinshasa, the capital, on Friday.

“With the support of donors, like the Netherlands and Belgium today, our efforts on the ground will be able to be more effective.”

The Netherlands has donated $2.7 million, while Belgium has pledged at least €6 million for programmes aimed at eliminating sexual violence, in addition to $20 million already allotted from the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

The stabilization and recovery fund’s council announced several projects, including the rehabilitation of former combatants, training for the national army and housing for the families of soldiers, the deployment of national police in strategic zones, support for war wounded and the establishment of business centres in mining zones.

News Tracker: past stories on this issue

Real prospect of ending fighting in eastern DR Congo, says top UN envoy