Ituri : Authorities and Civil Society Welcome Peacekeepers' Commitment to Security Challenges [1]
Through their regular patrols, outreach activities and medical support, MONUSCO contingents are helping to improve security.
The Indonesian and Bangladeshi contingents of MONUSCO, deployed in Ituri, were decorated during United Nations medal ceremonies organized on April 23 and 24, 2025, at the Ndoromo base in Bunia. Presided over by the MONUSCO Force Commander, these ceremonies took place in the presence of several local authori8es who praised the peacekeepers' constant commitment to protecting civilians and stabilizing the province.
On April 23, 848 Indonesian soldiers, including 39 women, deployed in sensi8ve areas of Irumu territory - particularly in Tchabi, Komanda, Bogoro, and the city of Bunia - received the United Nations medal in recognition of twelve months of service in a particularly demanding environment. Through their regular patrols, community outreach, and medical support, they have contributed to strengthening security in close coordination with local authorities and the FARDC.
Present at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Ituri, Raus Chalwe, praised this commitment: "Thanks to their presence alongside national forces, these contingents have contributed to improving the security situation in several localities. They have become reliable partners for communities."
On April 24, the Bangladeshi soldiers were honored in turn. Deployed in the territories of Djugu - particularly in Ro, Bayo, and Djangi - they are engaged in protecting displaced populations and in security operations conducted jointly with the FARDC. The contingent has 874 members, including 40 women, spread across several bases.
The commander of the 32nd military region of the FARDC, General Urbain Tambuka, praised the impact of this cooperation: "With MONUSCO peacekeepers, we have conducted several joint operations in Djugu, Irumu, and Mahagi, with notable results. Their support has also allowed us to retrain several battalions before their redeployment. These units, now better trained in urban and forest combat, are achieving good results in the field."
Colonel Mukim, commander of the Bangladeshi contingent, expressed his unit's pride: "This recognition honors our commitment, our discipline, and our solidarity with the Congolese people. We will continue to support efforts for peace."
Civil society also praised MONUSCO's action. The president of the Ituri Youth Parliament, Mr. Gloire Abasi, thanked the Bangladeshi peacekeepers for the practical training provided to the youth of Bunia: "Thanks to these programs, young people have acquired skills in plumbing, carpentry, or electricity. Some have already been hired by local companies. These are concrete prospects in a still fragile context." In closing the ceremonies, the MONUSCO Force Commander, General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes, reminded that these medals symbolize the Mission's continued commitment to working alongside Congolese authorities and local communities for a sustainable improvement of the security situation in Ituri.