Meeting between General Bruno Mandevu and women members of women’s organizations in Beni, North Kivu
Saturday, November 30 was a significant day in Beni, North Kivu province, as about a hundred women members of women’s organizations had the unique opportunity to meet with General Bruno Mandevu, commander of Sokola 1 operations. This meeting, marked by solemnity and commitment, aimed to discuss the worrying security situation in the region, particularly due to the joint operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan army against the rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
From the beginning of the exchange, General Mandevu stressed the crucial importance of collaboration between the armed forces and the local population, particularly women, to strengthen the fight against the ADF and restore peace in the region. He clearly expressed the need for close and continued cooperation, highlighting the army’s commitment to listen and act in partnership with the community to ensure the security of all.
The coordinator of the NGO Congolese Women for Development (FECONDE), Julie Nkuna, shared her impressions following the meeting, highlighting the challenges outlined by General Mandevu. She stressed how essential it is to raise awareness among the population about the insidious presence of rebel accomplices among them, and the crucial importance of reporting any suspicious activity for effective preventive action.
The most remarkable aspect of this exchange was General Mandevu’s urgent call to the population, and in particular women, to be vigilant and active in protecting their community. He encouraged women to report any potential threats, providing tangible and verifiable information to assist the armed forces in their security mission. Furthermore, he warned of the increased risks of enemy infiltration during this period of end-of-year celebrations, urging everyone to be extra vigilant to protect their city and territory.
In conclusion, this meeting between General Bruno Mandevu and the organized women of Beni laid the foundations for closer and more fruitful collaboration between the armed forces and the community. It illustrated the importance of collective commitment in the fight for peace and security, reminding everyone that vigilance and cooperation are the essential keys to countering threats and protecting the population.