On April 16, 2026, MONUSCO officially handed over the Masinda Bridge to the local authorities of Bavonkutu, an infrastructure with a capacity of 10 tons, built by the Mission’s Indonesian contingent as part of its Quick Impact Projects.
Located in the Walese Vonkutu chiefdom, about 7 kilometers from Komanda, in the Irumu territory (Ituri), this structure now facilitates the movement of people and goods, helping to boost trade between Irumu and Mambasa, while improving the mobility of security forces for the protection of civilians in the area.
For the economy and mobility
In this highly agricultural area, where cocoa farming, charcoal production, and trade in forest products dominate, crossing the Masinda River had until now been a major challenge. Due to the lack of adequate infrastructure—a wooden footbridge was used—the passage remained difficult, especially during the rainy season, with direct consequences on the supply of local markets.
Beyond these economic challenges, the situation also affected daily mobility and security in the area. Travel to schools, social services, or between villages remained difficult. In a context marked by the presence of armed groups, including the ADF, limited access also made it harder for security forces to respond quickly.
For David Kambale Musayi, president of the Bavonkutu youth, the change is concrete and immediate.
“This is a relief for the population,” he says. “This bridge is of vital importance because it is a key agricultural access road used to transport most of the harvests from farms, and it is also a very busy route for vehicles using National Road 4. Before, we used a wooden footbridge. During the rainy season, the situation became really dangerous.”
Mr. Kambale believes that the construction of the bridge will facilitate movement, especially for schoolchildren who cross the river every day to reach schools on the other side.
“From a security standpoint,” he adds, “this bridge will allow security forces to deploy more quickly in case of an alert.”
A concrete lever for civilian protection
The security dimension of this structure is fully in line with MONUSCO’s efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians.
“In carrying out our civilian protection mandate, certain infrastructures are essential to improving security in our areas of responsibility,” explains Josiah Obat, head of the MONUSCO office in Bunia, adding:
“This bridge facilitates access for both the population and security forces, and helps connect villages and reduce tensions.”
Territorial authorities also welcomed the project, which contributes to a broader approach to supporting development and stabilization in the Irumu territory.
For Colonel Siro Simba, territorial administrator, the construction of the Masinda Bridge reinforces a series of interventions carried out with MONUSCO’s support:
“MONUSCO continues to support the provincial government through several Quick Impact Projects aimed at strengthening security and social cohesion in our territories. The Irumu territory has notably benefited from the rehabilitation of the Komanda–Luna road on National Road 4 and Komanda–Bunia on National Road 27, as well as administrative, health, and security infrastructure, particularly in Ofay and Tchabi.”
For the military officer, with the construction of the Masinda Bridge here in Bavonkutu, “this momentum continues and responds to the concrete needs of the population.”
Support for stabilization
The construction of the bridge follows a request expressed by youth and community leaders in the area, who have faced the lack of adequate infrastructure for several years. By responding to this need, MONUSCO is providing a concrete solution to the population’s concerns.
By facilitating the movement of people and goods, improving access to essential services, and strengthening the mobility of security forces, this type of infrastructure directly contributes to civilian protection and the reduction of vulnerabilities.
In Ituri province, where security, economic, and social challenges remain closely interconnected, each infrastructure project becomes a lever for stabilization. Through these Quick Impact Projects, MONUSCO supports national and provincial authorities in their efforts to sustainably strengthen community security.
Didier Vignon Dossou-Gbakon
