Source: APO
MONUSCO reinforced its presence in Bamande, in Irumu Territory, on Monday, August 31, following clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), supported by the Ugandan army (UPDF), and suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The violence prompted several residents to flee the area. Two rapid reaction teams of peacekeepers were dispatched to the area, followed by the deployment of a mobile operating base to strengthen the protection of civilians.
The clashes broke out early in the morning in Bandikafu, a village located approximately 1.5 kilometers east of Bamande. The area is crossed by National Road 4 (RN4), an important route linking, among other places, Komanda and Bunia, the provincial capital.
The presence of suspected ADF elements had been reported in the area that morning. The FARDC, supported by the UPDF, intervened. The exchange of fire reportedly lasted about two hours.
The clashes quickly affected the civilian population. Several residents left Bamande and surrounding areas, with some using the RN4 toward Komanda to seek safety.
Rapid response to protect the population
Alerted by local sources about the situation in Bamande, two reaction teams from MONUSCO’s Indonesian contingent were dispatched from the permanent operating base in Komanda. Upon arrival, the peacekeepers observed civilians moving along the RN4, fleeing areas affected by the clashes.
Ground patrols were conducted, while drones were used to monitor the area and track developments. Information gathered through this surveillance also helped improve situational awareness on the ground.
Given the continued risks to the population, MONUSCO subsequently deployed a mobile operating base (MOB) from Komanda to Bamande. This arrangement enables peacekeepers to maintain a presence close to exposed communities, monitor high-risk areas, and respond rapidly in the event of a new threat.
A medical team was also placed on standby to provide assistance or carry out a medical evacuation if necessary.
According to initial information available from the area, no civilian casualties have been reported. However, one house was reportedly set on fire during the incident, and two Congolese soldiers were reportedly killed in the clashes. Five individuals suspected of belonging to the ADF were also apprehended.
The situation remains under surveillance. Peacekeepers are maintaining their presence in Bamande and continuing their protection activities to help prevent further violence and reassure civilians.
A strengthened presence
The intervention in Bamande is part of MONUSCO’s efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians in areas of Irumu Territory exposed to the activities of armed groups.
MONUSCO maintains a presence in Komanda, an important crossroads in southern Ituri. From this base, peacekeepers regularly conduct patrols and can deploy mobile operating bases to areas where the security situation requires it.
MONUSCO Force Commander Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes recently visited the area to assess the security situation and evaluate the measures in place to protect the population.
The deployment to Bamande therefore reinforces this presence and enables peacekeepers to remain closer to communities facing threats from armed groups.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).