Since its deployment in North Kivu as part of Operation Springbok, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has been the target of a violent attack in Sake. Eight peacekeepers were injured, including one seriously, during this tragic incident on March 16. They were quickly evacuated to receive the necessary care.
The head of the Mission, Bintou Keita, strongly condemned this attack and expressed her wishes for recovery to the members of the affected Blue Helmets. MONUSCO stands ready to support any investigation aimed at identifying those responsible for this aggression, so that they can be brought before national or international justice.
In addition, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the DRC reaffirms MONUSCO’s commitment alongside the Congolese defense and security forces to strengthen joint and unilateral patrols aimed at protecting civilian populations. It also calls for an immediate end to the violence perpetrated by armed groups against civilians, calling in particular on the M23 armed group to lay down their arms and respect the terms of the Luanda Road Map.
This incident once again highlights the need to strengthen security and stability in the North Kivu region, and MONUSCO remains determined to continue its efforts to protect vulnerable populations and contribute to the consolidation of peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.