Efforts of MONUSCO forces in north Kivu to protect civilians
North Kivu Head of Office Daniel Ruiz, and NKB Commander Brig Gen Hari B Pilla, have held a special Briefing with Journalists of North Kivu on 30 December 2016 in efforts to protect Civilians in North Kivu
Speaking to the Journalists the Briefing the head of Office said he thought it wise with the prevailing security situation in the North Kivu Province for military to brief/update the press on the activities of the North Kivu Brigade and FARDC on the efforts to neutralize the negative armed groups and other source.
While the NKB Commander Brig Gen Hari B Pilla on his part said the intension of MONUSCO force was on the Protection of Civilians and to inform them of increased activity in armed groups in Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi , Walikale and the presence of the North Kivu Brigade in the territories in joint operations with FARDC.
They have assured the protection of IDPS the Commander went on ‘we have assured the protection of IDPS and taken actions with Illegal armed groups” and also supported operations in areas like Chondo, Kafunzo,Kigaligali , Huanga and other areas which are concentration places of the armed groups.
The Brigade Commander like Head of Office called the on any armed group targeting the population to lay down their arms and follow up the demobilization process stressing that they should come on the legal side because MONUSCO(NKB) will ensure their safety and DDRRR will ensure their demobilization.
They appealed to Journalists to also sensitize all to ensure peace to reign so that the country can have a bright future.
Questions asked the Journalists amongst others focused on support given to FARDC operation to track Mai Mia and illegal armed groups and assistance to the National Electoral Commission (CENI) in the transmission of electoral material in the areas where there is no access.
MONUSCO DD/RRR OIC Dohotie Coulibaly presented some statistics for 2016 for treated cases as 1349 which included ex combatants , their dependents and child soldiers.
It should be noted however the briefing was also attended by FARDC Spokes Person Gauillume Njike.
Martha Biongo PIO /Goma