December 2025 saw a range of MONUSCO interventions and civilian protection activities, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, which remain affected by armed group activity. Contrary to what is sometimes assumed, protecting civilians is not limited to military action. Support to institutions, community dialogue, and assistance to efforts to combat impunity are also key initiatives that help protect civilians by strengthening a protective environment with affected communities involved in finding solutions, while ensuring physical protection.
In Ituri, Blue Helmets respond
Clashes between the Congolese army and the armed group Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP) continued in Ituri throughout December. In Kaa, Djugu territory, the fighting triggered significant civilian displacement, including people injured by gunfire.
On 6 and 7 December, MONUSCO peacekeepers deployed to displacement sites and surrounding villages in Kaa to conduct day and night patrols to reassure the population. In line with its mandate, peacekeepers also used warning shots and, when necessary, returned fire, successfully deterring several CRP militia attacks against displacement sites.
In addition, a checkpoint was established at the entrance to the Bayoo displacement site, also in Djugu territory, to prevent armed infiltration and strengthen the security of civilians living there.
Evacuation of the injured
Civilians and Congolese State army soldiers wounded during the clashes received first aid at the MONUSCO base in Bayoo. Some were airlifted to Bunia—the provincial capital of Ituri, for specialized medical care.
Between 26 and 28 December, the UN Mission carried out several medical evacuations and ensured the relocation of many civilians in response to intensified fighting in the Bayoo area. On 26 December, a woman who had been shot received medical care at the MONUSCO base before being evacuated to Fataki for further treatment.
During the same period, 12 civilians caught in crossfire requested MONUSCO protection and were safely relocated to Fataki.
On 27 and 28 December, MONUSCO conducted coordinated medical evacuation operations for civilians injured by stray bullets, as well as seriously ill displaced children, who received immediate care. These interventions helped reduce risks to civilian lives and ensured continuity of access to healthcare—vital during periods of fighting.
Dialogue to reduce tensions
Against this backdrop of heightened insecurity, MONUSCO, in support of the Congolese authorities, facilitated community dialogue sessions bringing together provincial authorities, representatives of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), the Ugandan People’s Defence Force, and leaders of the main local communities in Fataki, Bayoo and Bule (Ituri province).
The aim of these meetings was to strengthen coordination, information-sharing and operational synchronization to enable a more coherent security response to threats against civilians. The sessions also provided platforms for civilians to express concerns about armed group threats, freedom of movement and the militarization of displacement sites, while enabling MONUSCO to reaffirm its commitment to increased presence and joint patrols.
While the situation remained fragile, these efforts helped ease community tensions, counter negative perceptions of the FARDC and MONUSCO, strengthen early-warning mechanisms, and reduce protection risks linked to the manipulation of civilians by armed groups.
-Joël Bofengo
