Fatshimetry
The tense situation persists in Kanyabayonga, a strategic locality plagued by fierce fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels. In this troubled area of the North Kivu province, MONUSCO, the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC, has decided to strengthen its presence to support the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in their operations against the rebels.
The deployment of blue helmets from the Intervention Brigade (FIB) on the ground has two main objectives. Firstly, it is a question of assisting the FARDC in the face of the threatening advance of the rebels towards Kanyabayonga. Indeed, since Friday May 31, MONUSCO troops have been mobilized to prevent any incursion by rebels into this strategic locality.
Furthermore, the second objective of this reinforced presence is to ensure the protection of civilians. In a region where civilian populations are often targeted, it is essential to prevent any attacks against them. MONUSCO, in cooperation with the FARDC, ensures the security of the inhabitants of Kanyabayonga, a population already largely affected by the violence and forced to flee the fighting.
The coordination work between MONUSCO forces and the FARDC is crucial in this crisis context. Meetings are regularly organized to plan and implement joint operations aimed at securing the region and providing humanitarian assistance to populations in distress. The actions of the peacekeepers are not only limited to the protection of civilians, but also extend to the establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow the evacuation of populations to safer areas and the provision of care to the injured and to the most vulnerable.
On Sunday June 2, 2024, new clashes broke out around Kanyabayonga between the M23 rebels, supported by the Rwandan army, and the FARDC. These clashes, described as violent by local sources, illustrate the persistent tension in this region plagued by instability and armed conflict.
In this complex context, strengthening the presence of peacekeepers in Kanyabayonga is of paramount importance to ensure the protection of civilians and contribute to restoring security in the region. The concerted work of MONUSCO and FARDC forces demonstrates the common commitment to peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.