Progress in security in the Djugu region in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is encouraging. The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and soldiers of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) have intensified their joint patrols to quell the activism of armed groups.
According to a MONUSCO team, a lull has been felt in the region since the deployment of these mixed patrols. Since the start of the year, CODECO militias have increased attacks against civilians and FARDC positions, particularly on the Gina Fataki section.
These abuses led to the disruption of traffic on national road number 27 (RN27), forcing many drivers to suspend their traffic after 4 p.m. to avoid ambushes. These attacks also had an impact on economic operators who had to review their delivery plans.
Mixed patrols carried out by law enforcement and peacekeepers have made it possible to strengthen security in the region. The residents of the Gina area express their satisfaction with this measure which allows them to move freely. However, they also called on the military authorities to continue their efforts to track down armed groups that continue to threaten peace and security in the region.
It should be noted that since the beginning of the year, many civilians have fallen victims to these armed groups on the Gina Fataki section. It is therefore imperative to continue the joint efforts of the FARDC and MONUSCO to guarantee the security of the populations and promote the economic development of the region.
In conclusion, the mixed patrols carried out by MONUSCO forces and the FARDC in the Djugu region have made it possible to reduce the activism of armed groups and strengthen the security of the populations. However, more work remains to be done to completely eradicate this threat and ensure long-term stability in the region.