Bukavu, 2 June 2015- The South Kivu Brigade of MONUSCO presented to the local press its military activities within the framework of its civilian protection mandate. Colonel Siaz of the South Kivu Brigade began his presentation with a summary of the current security situation in South Kivu province, saying that things are under control despite pockets of insecurity due to the presence of some armed groups and bandits.

He said as a result of the Kamilisha Usalama II military operations that ended in January 2015, the activities of the Burundian armed group Front National de Libération (FNL) have been reduced practically to nothing. He added that some combatants of the Forces Democratiques pour la Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) have fled into the forests and isolated areas with their commandant structure seriously disrupted since the launch of the Sukola II operation.

Still, he pointed out that local groups such as the Mai-Mai and the Raila Mutomboki continue attacking the population and committing exactions and human rights violations in isolated villages. .

As a result of reinforced joint patrols with the Congolese national army (FARDC) and police (PNC), criminal activity in the province has been significantly reduced during the first five months of 2015, compared to the last five months of 2014. 8,820 vehicle and foot patrols have been jointly conducted, or an average of 1,452 patrols per month. Consequently, the crime rate has dropped from 425 cases between August and December 2014 to 309 cases between January and May 2015. Moreover, more than 250 air reconnaissance and evaluation missions have been conducted since the beginning of this year.

Asked about the insecurity prevailing in some areas despite the presence of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO, Colonel Abedi of the FARDC 33rd Military Region of South Kivu, said: « it is the Congolese themselves who kill and abuse their fellow countrymen, (…) and who at the same time finance armed militias that attack the population. »

It should be noted that in addition to its civilian protection activities, the South Kivu Brigade has undertaken social actions in favor of the population with whom it is called upon to co-exist peacefully. In that context, mobile medical consultations have been organized in locations where people lack access to basic health services. Also, quick impact projects have been initiated which have helped to renovate seven schools, conduct computer and carpentry/joinery courses to help young people to take charge of their lives.

Note that the awareness raising meeting was organized within the framework of the café de presse which is an event held monthly by the Public Information Office to help the local press to come to the source and get the right information about the activities of the mission.

Tahina Andriamamonjitianasoa