On 16 May 2026, in Biakato, the administrative center of the Babila Babombi chiefdom in Mambasa Territory, located approximately 78 kilometers from Mambasa center in Ituri Province, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the MONUSCO Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) held a meeting with local communities.
The purpose of the meeting was to better understand the security concerns of the population in an area that had been relatively spared until recent months, but is now experiencing increased activity by armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
According to local civil society sources, recent attacks by armed groups have resulted in more than 130 civilian deaths within the past month and have displaced thousands of people to safer areas.
In response to this deteriorating security situation, FARDC and MONUSCO reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the protection of civilians. During the meeting, a FARDC general indicated that additional troops and logistical resources were being deployed to enhance military operations against armed groups in the region.
He further emphasized that MONUSCO, as a partner of the Government, will continue to support FARDC operations, alongside the Ugandan armed forces (UPDF). The Commander of the Force Intervention Brigade also urged the population to remain vigilant and to reject rumors and misinformation that could undermine stabilization efforts.
“We are here for peace. Peace also depends on the active engagement of the population. We call on everyone to cooperate closely with security forces and report any suspicious activity,” General Alexander E. Masangura stated.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Mambasa Territory remains of serious concern. Approximately ten health facilities have been non-operational for over a month due to violence perpetrated by ADF fighters, which has forced both residents and healthcare personnel to flee to safer areas.
This has significantly reduced access to healthcare services in an already vulnerable region. Local stakeholders are calling for increased efforts to restore security and enable the resumption of essential services. Ongoing operations, supported by MONUSCO, aim to sustainably restore stability in the area.
Jean-Tobie Okala
