MONUSCO has established several fixed and mobile military bases, which provide daily protection to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons.
Vivian Van de Perre, the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative in DRC for operations and protection, arrived on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Bunia, Ituri, after a mission in North Kivu. Her three-day visit comes amid persistent violence and aims to reaffirm MONUSCO's support for Congolese authorities in fighting armed groups and protecting civilians.
"MONUSCO is tasked with supporting the government in the fight against armed groups and in protecting civilians. We have established early warning systems, we work together, we share information, and we support operations. But we hope the political process will proceed well, because the solution ultimately must be political," declared Vivian Van de Perre upon her arrival in Bunia.
Security context in Ituri
Ituri concentrates more than 90% of the violence recorded since 2017, mainly in the territories of Irumu and Djugu. This violence, committed by about twenty armed groups, has displaced more than one and a half million people. In response, MONUSCO supports the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) through joint operations and reinforced military presence in the most exposed areas.
Military presence and local cooperation
The military governor of Ituri, General Johnny Luboya N'Kashama, welcomes this cooperation: "We conduct operations with MONUSCO. You may have noticed that we have significantly reduced response times. And we no longer have attacks like before, particularly in Djugu territory, on displaced persons' sites. (...) I believe the United Nations understands what Ituri is experiencing. And I am sure they now consider the province a priority."
The Mission has established several fixed and mobile military bases, which provide daily protection to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. On average, the Blue Helmets conduct nearly 500 day patrols and more than 350 night patrols each month in the North Sector, totaling more than 10,000 patrols per year, plus approximately 400 joint patrols with the FARDC.
Joint operations and field results
In 2024, MONUSCO conducted about ten robust operations in Ituri, including "Secure Harvest 3" designed to secure farmers and their crops. Since the beginning of 2025, other actions have been launched, with concrete results: return of displaced persons, resumption of road traffic, crop protection, easing of community tensions, and secure access to education.
On September 21, 2025, in Kilia (Beni territory), a joint operation between MONUSCO and FARDC, accompanied by a "deconfliction" procedure with the Ugandan army UPDF, successfully repelled an ADF attack and secured National Route 4. Almost daily, the blue helmets confront militiamen attempting to target displaced persons, particularly in Amee, Jaiba, Roe, or Njangi, in Djugu territory.
Civilian initiatives and security advocacy
Beyond military operations, MONUSCO implements civilian initiatives. The installation of solar panels in several localities (Bhali, Bule, Fataki, Bunia, Komanda, Mambasa, Mahagi...) contributes to reducing nighttime crime. Through its advocacy, mobile network coverage has also improved in remote areas like Tchabi, facilitating rapid response to security alerts.
Toward lasting peace
Peace is a collective work. It cannot be lasting without the active involvement of local communities. Despite the misinformation circulating on social networks, the Mission remains determined to accompany the DRC toward lasting stability and to support populations affected by violence.