In Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, protects thousands of civilians fleeing armed violence.
On 27 September, following an outbreak of fighting between elements of the CODECO armed group and the Convention for the Popular Revolution, some 3,100 civilians, including 1,600 women and 900 children, sought protection at a MONUSCO temporary base near the Rhoo internally displaced persons site. Bangladeshi peacekeepers secured the area, took in displaced people, and provided them with temporary shelter, physical protection and emergency medical care.
On 28 September, another 2,000 civilians sought temporary shelter at the MONUSCO base in Drodro, following reports of gunfire and suspected armed movements nearby.
As the security situation remained volatile, MONUSCO continued to strengthen its presence and conduct patrols in areas affected by the violence. In Rhoo, Blukwa and Gina, peacekeepers worked alongside the FARDC to protect civilians, respond to threats and reassure affected communities.
Most civilians who sought protection in Rhoo and Drodro have since left the bases voluntarily. MONUSCO remains vigilant and continues to deploy robust patrols in response to the heightened security situation in Ituri Province.
On 29 September, James Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO, briefed the UN Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He said that the human rights situation remained deeply concerning and that the Mission, alongside the Congolese authorities, had stepped up patrols and deployed mobile operational bases in the areas most at risk of attacks.
Watch the Security Council briefing:
More from the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
