Goma, 29 May 2012 – A joint mission composed of military and civilian officials from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) visited Bunagana, a town in Rutshuru territory, which experienced violent clashes in the course of May, causing the inhabitants to flee to safety in neighboring Uganda.

The visiting delegation, which was led by MONUSCO Force Commander, Major General Chander Prakash, noted with satisfaction that the population had been gradually returning to the town.

The May clashes had pitted regular troops of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) against a group of FARDC soldiers who had deserted before turning into a mutiny, now called the March 23 Movement or M23. Bunagana is a border town on the Congolese-Ugandan border, constituting a strategic entry point to the economic opportunities of Sud-Kivu province, and located within a stone's throw of Kisiro, the first town across the border in Uganda.

The delegation's visit and the presence of MONUSCO's peacekeepers in and around Bunagana helped the local population in regaining confidence and a sense of hope. As a result, life has slowly returned to normal in the town, and the inhabitants are going about their business.

Local populations now feel safer and reassured with MONUSCO's combat tanks clearly positioned on the top hills dominating the southern part of Bunagana. Further north, towards Runyioni, the epicenter of the May clashes, MONUSCO had set up a temporary base manned by Indian and Jordanian peacekeepers. There were other tanks stationed across Bunagana. "This is about establishing control over the town, making our presence kown, and sending a strong signal to the mutineers about MONUSCO's resolve to protect the town," said MONUSCO Force Commander.

Alexandre Essome/ MONUSCO