Congolese army, MONUSCO work together to protect civilians amid security challenges

In the face of escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Congolese army forces, with support from the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, are working tirelessly to protect civilians caught in the crossfire between rebel groups.

In the town of Saké, a young local fighter named Alpha has joined Wazalendo, a local armed group supporting the national army, determined to defend his homeland against the M23 rebels. “I took up arms because of the security situation in my country. We are fighting the enemy, the M23 movement, who are foreigners in our country,” Alpha says, echoing the sentiment of many in the community who have decided to stand firm.

Despite the volatile situation, the Congolese military and Wazalendo forces are holding positions near Saké, providing some security for those residents who have chosen to remain. However, the threat posed by the M23 rebels, who have been accused by Kinshasa of receiving support from Rwanda, looms large. Civilians like Bitakweya express uncertainty about their safety as they witness rebels on the nearby hills. “I don’t know if I’m going to stay at home as long as the enemy is there,” Bitakweya shares.

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Further east, in Goma, MONUSCO peacekeepers are stepping up patrols to ensure civilian protection. Brigadier General Ranjan Mahajan, the Monusco Center Sector Commander for North Kivu, explains that their strategy is determined by the level of threat posed by illegal groups. “Our approach depends on the level of violence created by the belligerent groups and the need to protect civilians,” Mahajan states.

With a precarious security situation leading to massive displacement, the UN estimates that 2.8 million people are displaced in North Kivu as of July. The partnership between the Congolese military and MONUSCO is crucial in stabilizing the region and providing hope to those affected by the ongoing conflict.