Dozens of community leaders and traditional chiefs took part, from 12 to 13 May 2026, in a series of training sessions held simultaneously in Mambasa-centre (Mambasa territory) and in Gina and Risasi (Djugu territory), in Ituri province. Organized by MONUSCO’s Civil Affairs Section in collaboration with the Provincial Territorial Administration Inspectorate and Civil Protection services, the trainings aimed to strengthen community-based civilian protection mechanisms in areas affected by armed group activity.
These two-day sessions are part of the United Nations Mission’s efforts to support local communities amid a resurgence of violence, particularly attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Strengthening early warning and security coordination
The key objective of these trainings was to improve early warning systems to enable rapid and effective responses from security forces.
“Mambasa territory remains a priority for MONUSCO, where ADF attacks have killed more than one hundred people in just one month. These trainings aim to strengthen local early warning mechanisms to prevent attacks and better protect civilians,” said Sado Bahemuka from MONUSCO’s Civil Affairs Section in Bunia.
In Mambasa, 40 local leaders, including 12 women, were trained on managing, verifying, and rapidly sharing security alerts, as well as on the roles and responsibilities of local protection committees.
In Djugu, 30 opinion leaders, including nine women, received similar training and updated local protection plans to mitigate security risks.
Rebuilding trust between communities and authorities
Discussions highlighted persistent challenges, particularly weak collaboration between protection committees and communities, a gap often exploited by armed groups.
“This training was very important. We learned how to raise alerts in case of security threats, but also had the opportunity to speak openly with authorities. Some behaviors discourage the population, such as unanswered calls or lack of communication channels. We hope to improve cooperation moving forward,” said Omba Hemeni, President of the Mambasa Territorial Youth Council.
Participants committed to strengthening cooperation between communities and security services to better address insecurity.
Limited telecommunications coverage remains a key constraint
Despite progress, major challenges remain, particularly limited mobile network coverage, which hampers the effectiveness of early warning systems.
According to Mugeni Yuma Imurani, Territorial Coordinator of civil society, “in some areas, it can take two to three days to relay information due to lack of network coverage. Improving communication infrastructure, as well as road conditions, is essential to ensure better civilian protection.”
Continued efforts planned
Participants welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to actively engage in protection mechanisms. Recent attacks by armed groups have left dozens dead in Djugu and more than 130 victims in Mambasa, underscoring the urgency of reinforcing these systems.
MONUSCO plans to expand these trainings in the coming days to Komanda, Fataki, Drodro and other localities, where more than 300 local protection actors are expected to participate.
Jean-Tobie Okala
