With a view to the disengagement of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the province of Ituri, a team composed of officers from the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), State service officials and MONUSCO agents visited the site to assess the general situation.
The province of Ituri is a region affected by armed conflicts for more than twenty years. The delegation aimed to assess the progress of joint work between MONUSCO and the FARDC, but also to identify the challenges that remain to be addressed before the final withdrawal of the mission. A transfer of skills to the Congolese government is planned, particularly with regard to the security and protection of civilians, in particular displaced people who are currently under the protection of blue helmets.
MONUSCO is present in Ituri through nine military bases, ensuring the protection of civilians and displaced people in the territories of Djugu, Irumu and part of Mahagi. The delegation also examined the protection mechanisms put in place by MONUSCO, such as the community protection plan, the early warning system and the rapprochement between different ethnic communities.
The data collected during this assessment will enable the DRC government to develop strategies to deal with insecurity following the departure of MONUSCO from Ituri province.
The objective of this approach is to ensure a smooth transition and to strengthen the capacities of the Congolese authorities to ensure the security and protection of the populations in this region. This is a first step towards sustaining peace and stability in the DRC, while recognizing the efforts made by MONUSCO in recent years.
This joint assessment marks an important step in the MONUSCO withdrawal process in the DRC. It makes it possible to take local realities into account, identify needs and gaps, and define the actions to be implemented to guarantee the security and well-being of the populations of Ituri. The support of the international community will be essential to accompany the Congolese government in this transition and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.