25 years of MONUSCO: in Beni, a recognized impact despite challenges –

KINSHASA, DRC, December 2, 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- MONUC, which became MONUSCO in July 2010, celebrates 25 years of presence in the DRC this November 29. In Beni, various local actors testify to the impact of the Mission and the efforts made to establish peace.

A quarter of a century dedicated to the protection of civilians, stabilization and promotion of peace. In Greater North Kivu, covering the territories of Beni and Lubero as well as the towns of Beni and Butembo, local actors welcome the essential role of the UN mission in the pacification of the country.

Julie Nkuna Njila, president of the NGO “Femmes Congolaises pour le Développement” (FECONDE), remembers the period when it was not easy to travel within the Congo because of the war that was raging at the time. “I will leave MONUC which allowed the students of my time to have their state diplomas. We were in the middle of the RCD/Goma rebellion where we could not reach Kinshasa where the state exams were corrected. It was with the help of MONUC at the time that we could connect Kinshasa to Bukavu. The cohesion that we are living and preaching is MONUC which taught it to us. We were able to sit down for the compositions, all ethnic groups, young Banyamulenge, young people from South Kivu and others.”

According to her, those who say that MONUSCO did nothing, only need to check their environment. “MONUSCO supported the Congolese Police which we need at all times; she supports women’s associations with money, advice and training. Many leaders managed to reach decision-making circles through MONUSCO,” added Mme Njila.

For her part, Diane Tudy Ntumba, coordinator of the women’s platform “Engaged Citizen Women of Beni”, recognizes what MONUSCO has done: “There are rooms built by MONUSCO, vehicles donated by MONUSCO, there is training, there are flights that we request and we travel without problem to go on missions. There are exchanges of experiences between women through the facilitation of MONUSCO; personally, I benefited from training thanks to MONUSCO.”

Peacemaking

25 km from Beni, in the Ruwenzori sector, the populations recognize the role of MONUSCO in restoring peace. In Kilya, once a target of Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, the situation has stabilized since the establishment of a Mission military base three years ago.

“Since the arrival of MONUSCO here in Kilya, the security situation has been very calm. Before, it was serious because the rebels attacked at any time. For MONUSCO to leave, the government must first reassure us about the security situation. We only want to stay here, because the population that fled has returned and is starting to resettle well,” estimates Sawasawa Paluku, president of Kilya civil society.

Further away, in the village of Samboko, about sixty kilometers from the town of Beni, many people recognize the impact of MONUSCO’s presence. This locality is reborn, despite persistent challenges. This revival is the result of close collaboration between the FARDC and MONUSCO which allowed the return of residents to this region, formerly under the control of ADF rebels. The residents, who fled the area in 2018, returned there two years ago and socio-economic activities now take place normally, even late at night, thanks to the street lights installed by MONUSCO.

“Before, we experienced a lot more fear in this village because of the ADF rebels who attacked regularly. It is thanks to these street lights that we can see someone and we can easily identify them. And even women traders display their items even until 6 p.m., even 7 p.m.,” indicates Gustave Mbusa Mutsunga, president of local civil society.

Support for electoral processes and the fight against disinformation

Beyond its military operations, MONUSCO has marked the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo by playing a central role in supporting the electoral process. Its constant support for successive electoral cycles and the strengthening of the capacities of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) was accompanied by active promotion of human rights, including those of people living with disabilities.

The Mission has also played an important role in the fight against disinformation and hate speech through awareness campaigns and training. MONUSCO has contributed to reducing the impact of these scourges, which fuel insecurity in a region marked by armed conflicts for more than a decade.

“Thanks to the activities organized by MONUSCO, we are now seeing a change on social networks. More and more people are refuting hateful messages and their authors now lack arguments to defend them,” supports Benjamin Asimoni, focal point of the Youth-Peace-Security Coalition in Beni.

For Samuel Sekanabo, president of the Beni Urban Youth Council, the impact of the awareness-raising activities carried out by MONUSCO on the ground is real: “MONUSCO organized raids to raise awareness among residents, even those who were unaware of the disinformation. We warmly thank this Mission for its support in this fight.”

Dieubon Mugheze, journalist in Beni, participated in training organized by MONUSCO for media professionals, particularly in the fight against disinformation, while the Greater North Kivu region was facing demonstrations of great magnitude. “These trainings came at a time when disinformation was exacerbating the situation in the region. Since then, journalists have been better equipped to lead this fight,” he explains, adding that, since then, relations between MONUSCO and certain social strata have been calmer.

In Lubero, where MONUSCO has long maintained a presence, many residents also express their gratitude for the work accomplished by the Mission. Some recall that the latter built there, among other things, premises for the Public Prosecutor’s Office, a police office, spaces for dialogue, as well as a local market. Tafuteni Kakule Walyirwe, president of local civil society, recalls that these projects – particularly the market – provide a service to the population: “We live in an area where it rains often, and women depend greatly on market activities. Before, every rain caused problems. Today, it’s a real relief at this level.”

MONUSCO’s support for the prison administration in the town of Beni also contributes to its proper functioning and has enabled the construction of a dispensary within the prison grounds for better medical care of prisoners. There was also the creation of a vegetable garden within the prison where corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, potatoes and cabbage are grown. This ensures a certain food self-sufficiency for prisoners.

Effective early warning mechanisms

The early warning mechanisms put in place by MONUSCO to combat insecurity and armed groups are generally well received by the populations. Youth organizations and associations welcome the support of MONUSCO in securing the city through this early warning system. Toll-free numbers, made available to the Congolese National Police, allow residents to call the security forces free of charge to report an attack, a burglary or suspicious movements in the community.

For the Young Patriots Consolidators of Peace (JPCP), a local youth support structure, this support from MONUSCO must be capitalized on, even expanded, and supported by the authorities. “This support from MONUSCO is considerable. This toll-free number is in high demand and cannot fully cover early warning communications, especially at night. So, it’s support that’s worth its weight in gold,” recognizes Benjamin Asimoni, JPCP coordinator.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for MONUSCO.

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)