KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — Amidst escalating tensions in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), United Nations peacekeepers from the Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) have swiftly responded to a harrowing situation.
On April 28, following two armed attacks in the region, the peacekeepers, stationed at bases in Fataki and Gina, were alerted to the plight of nearly 200 civilians, predominantly women and children, caught in the crossfire.
The attacks, which targeted a FARDC regiment in Pimbo, Djugu territory, resulted in significant material damage and clashes between the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP) and CODECO militiamen.
The UN peacekeepers, acting with urgency, coordinated with the FARDC and local authorities to contain the violence and secure the area.
In a remarkable display of bravery, the peacekeepers rescued 191 displaced persons, the majority of them children, who were in urgent need of evacuation.
The civilians were first sheltered in a school building in Pimbo before being safely escorted to the Kpawa internally displaced persons site in Gina, where they were taken care of and handed over to local authorities under secure conditions. Claude Mateso, a notable figure in Pimbo, expressed commendation for the swift intervention and collaboration with the FARDC. “Today, the situation has returned to calm, far from yesterday’s violence, “he.
Other witnesses reported that the peacekeepers’actions helped save civilian lives and prevent further violence. MONUSCO’s robust patrols throughout the night in Pimbo and surrounding areas helped stabilize the situation and reassure the population. This operation is part of MONUSCO’s ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of civilians in support of Congolese authorities, with the mission increasing patrols, preventive deployments, and community outreach efforts to reduce threats and strengthen security in Ituri province.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
