Source: APO
The Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Lieutenant General Ulisses De Mesquita Gomes, travelled to Mongbwalu, epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in Djugu Territory, on 22 July to assess operations aimed at protecting civilians, support the peacekeepers deployed in the area and reaffirm the Mission’s commitment alongside the Congolese authorities.
The visit took place against a backdrop of persistent threats from armed groups in several parts of Ituri and the ongoing response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak. In Mongbwalu, Nepalese peacekeepers maintain an operational presence aimed at reassuring communities and contributing to securing health infrastructures in the area.
Accompanied by the Commander of the Northern Sector, Brigadier General Md. Saiful Alam Bhuiyan, and the Commander of the Nepalese contingent, Colonel Deepak Khadka, the Force Commander met with the troops and reviewed activities conducted from MONUSCO’s mobile operating base.
Close to the Operations
Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed by the Commander of the Mongbwalu base, Major Gangadhar Khatri Chhetri. He provided an overview of the security situation in the area of operations and of the main activities undertaken by peacekeepers to protect civilians and maintain a deterrent presence in areas exposed to threats from armed groups.
The preparatory briefing also covered developments related to the Ebola outbreak and the preventive measures implemented by the Nepalese contingent in support of the health authorities’ response efforts.
The Force Commander then observed several operational activities carried out under the Mission’s protection of civilians mandate. These activities are intended, in particular, to strengthen community security, improve situational awareness on the ground and enable a rapid response in the event of a threat.
The Protection of health facilities at the centre of discussions
The response to the Ebola outbreak also featured prominently in discussions with provincial authorities and military officials in Mongbwalu.
In areas affected by insecurity, attacks against health facilities, population displacement and restrictions on movement can undermine patient monitoring, community awareness activities and access to healthcare. For the Mission, security therefore remains an essential condition for an effective public health response.
Peacekeepers’ professionalism commended
Addressing the troops deployed in Mongbwalu, Lieutenant General Ulisses De Mesquita Gomes commended their professionalism, discipline and commitment to serving the population.
“I would like to congratulate the Nepalese peacekeepers on their operational performance, professionalism and commitment to implementing MONUSCO’s mandate for the benefit of the people of this region,” he said.
He encouraged them to continue working closely with local authorities, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), humanitarian actors and community representatives.
According to the Force Commander, such coordination is essential to consolidate security gains, improve the protection of civilians and support efforts to address humanitarian and public health challenges.
Close cooperation with the FARDC
Prior to his visit to Mongbwalu, the Force Commander met in Bunia with Ituri’s new Military Governor, Lieutenant General Gaby Kasongo, as part of his first official visit since assuming office.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed the security situation in the province, joint operations conducted by the FARDC and MONUSCO, and ways to further strengthen cooperation.
“I reaffirmed the excellent cooperation between the FARDC and MONUSCO in support of peace, security and the protection of civilians in Ituri,” Lieutenant General De Mesquita Gomes said.
The discussions also covered logistical support, training and capacity-building for Congolese military personnel.
A Visit to a province under pressure
The Force Commander arrived in Bunia on 20 July and is expected to conclude his mission in the province on 24 July. His visit comes as several territories in Ituri continue to face armed-group activity and the humanitarian consequences of violence.
On 22 July, suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) combatants carried out an attack in the villages of Mandeite and Ndiapanda, in Mambasa Territory. According to local sources, around 15 civilians were reportedly killed and many residents fled the area, bringing socioeconomic activities to a halt.
Following the attack, MONUSCO peacekeepers based in Sayo, near Beni, deployed to support security patrols conducted with the defence forces and contribute to the protection of affected communities.
Against this backdrop, the Force Commander’s visit to Mongbwalu reaffirms MONUSCO’s determination to maintain an operational presence close to the population, support troops deployed on the ground and continue working with the Congolese authorities to address the security and public health challenges facing Ituri.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).