UNAFRI and the DRC Embassy Advance Cooperation on Youth Rehabilitation and Refugee Protection

H.E. Mulaja Binene Fidèle and officials from the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the UNAFRI delegation following their institutional engagement at the Institute’s headquarters.

On 4 November 2026, the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders welcomed H.E. Mulaja Binene Fidèle, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, for an institutional engagement at its headquarters.

H.E. Mulaja Binene Fidèle, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, exchanges a handshake with Mr Munanura Andrew Karokora, 🇺🇳 UNAFRI Acting Director General, during the presentation of a commemorative gift.

The Ambassador was received by Mr Munanura Andrew Karokora, Acting Director General of UNAFRI, together with Dr Gift Joseph Kweka, Director of Training and Programs, and other members of the Institute’s team.

Mr Munanura Andrew Karokora, UNAFRI Acting Director General, accompanies H.E. Fidèle Mulaja Binene during a tour of the Institute’s premises following the meeting.

The meeting reviewed UNAFRI’s mandate in crime prevention and criminal justice and the DRC’s role as a valued Member State. Discussions focused on youth rehabilitation, criminal justice cooperation, refugee-community protection and the exchange of data and good practices.

H.E. the Ambassador presented the DRC’s approach to rehabilitating and training young people formerly involved in crime. The programmes seek to equip participants with productive skills through agriculture, furniture production and community service, supporting their reintegration into society.

H.E. Mulaja Binene Fidèle and Mr Munanura Andrew Karokora continue their discussions during a tour of the UNAFRI grounds.

The meeting also considered concerns about the recruitment of young Congolese refugees into criminal activities. UNAFRI proposed training refugee community leaders to strengthen awareness, responsibility and community-based prevention. The Embassy and UNAFRI’s Directorate of Training and Programs will explore the development of this initiative.

H.E. the Ambassador was invited to UNAFRI’s relaunch on 25 November 2026 and indicated that he would follow up on the DRC’s assessed contribution to the Institute.