Four Congolese civilians seriously injured during an armed attack that occurred in Gina, Ituri, were taken care of by MONUSCO peacekeepers and urgently evacuated to Bunia hospital. Carried out by Nepalese and Bangladeshi contingents, this medical evacuation enabled their rapid transfer from the temporary base in Gina to Bunia, ensuring hospital care in the shortest possible time. This operation confirms the Mission's commitment to protecting and supporting civilians in its areas of intervention.

The previous evening, August 10, gunshots had erupted near the center of Gina, a locality situated 40 km from Bunia in Ituri province, plunging the population into panic. Armed elements presumed to be from CODECO, from the Sesele grouping, had opened fire indiscriminately in the commercial center, pillaging shops, homes, and vehicles.

«Around 8 PM, while I was at the Gina health center, I heard gunshots that seemed to come from the commercial center. The population was in disarray. The assailants were firing live ammunition. When we went down to the scene, we observed the damage. MONUSCO, alerted by the community, quickly secured the area and provided first aid, before our team took over », recounts a witness.

The Nepalese peacekeepers rapidly deployed and discovered civilians in shock on site, fleeing to escape the violence. Assessing the risks in this densely frequented area, the patrol had responded with targeted deterrent fire, forcing the assailants to retreat. Reinforcements had then secured strategic access points.

MONUSCO's medical team administered first aid before transferring them to the Gina health center. The next day, on medical recommendation, an air evacuation to Bunia was organized, thus saving lives. "Many of us took refuge near the peacekeepers' base. Their rapid arrival prevented the situation from becoming even more dramatic," confides a resident.

The peacekeepers continue their deterrent patrols, ensuring a visible and reassuring presence in the area. Thanks to their rapid and coordinated intervention, the situation could be stabilized, even though the threat remains. MONUSCO remains fully mobilized to protect civilian populations and prevent any new armed incursion in the region.