Inaugurated on November 21, the new Bar Association building includes a meeting room, two consultation offices, the president's office, a secretariat, and restroom facilities.
A fully renovated building has been handed over to the Ituri Bar Association, marking an important milestone for receiving justice seekers and providing free legal and judicial assistance, particularly for the most vulnerable. Funded at $47,285 USD through MONUSCO's Quick Impact Projects (QIP), this support enabled the completion of finishing work—an essential step to make the building fully operational. It will now house the free legal consultation office, contributing to efforts to consolidate the rule of law in a province affected by armed violence.
Inaugurated on November 21, the building includes a meeting room, two consultation offices, the office of the Bar President, a secretariat, and sanitary facilities. For the Bar Association, which had been operating in rented premises since its creation in 2018, having a permanent headquarters represents significant progress in serving justice seekers.
During the ceremony, the head of the MONUSCO office in Bunia, Josiah Obat, highlighted the project's significance: "This building is the result of constructive cooperation between the Bar Association, provincial authorities, and MONUSCO. By supporting the completion of this building, the Mission is helping to create a space where the most vulnerable can receive free, quality legal assistance, essential for strengthening the rule of law."
He also recalled the social role of the profession: "Beyond defending individual interests, lawyers have a responsibility in protecting the most vulnerable and supporting stabilization efforts in the province."
Concrete support for accessible justice
In his remarks, the President of the Ituri Bar, Attorney Joseph Keta, emphasized the importance of the support received: "After several years of efforts to erect the initial structures of the building, the finishing phase remained—particularly costly and decisive. It could not have been completed without MONUSCO's support. This headquarters will allow us to open a free consultation office accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable."
Representing the military governor, the provincial delegate hailed "an important step toward more accessible justice," adding that "this achievement shows that a public service can evolve for the benefit of the population."
In a context of persistent insecurity, access to reliable and free legal and judicial assistance remains an essential element of civilian protection. This new building will enable the Bar Association to better assist justice seekers, combat impunity, and fully play its role in consolidating the rule of law.