The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is stepping up its operations in Ituri. Since March 22, 2026, six mobile military bases have been deployed in the territories of Djugu and Irumu as part of Operation “Nyundo II” which has been underway since early February.
In these areas, still plagued by armed violence, several armed groups continue to pose a major threat to civilians.
In Irumu, the CODECO, Zaïre, CRP groups, as well as members of the ADF group, have been carrying out repeated attacks against civilians. In Djugu, CRP and CODECO militias are particularly active.
To address this situation, MONUSCO has set up its mobile bases in strategically important locations: Tshumbu, Lopa, and Lodha (in Djugu territory), as well as Bavunkutu, Boga, and Taliaba (in Irumu territory).
A reassuring presence
Beyond military operations, MONUSCO plays a significant role in the daily lives of civilian populations. It facilitates access to medical care for the wounded, supports civilian movements in high-risk areas, and enables residents to resume certain activities such as farming.
“MONUSCO peacekeepers do many things. For example, they transport injured people to the Fataki General Hospital; they also facilitate the movement of the population in areas that are otherwise inaccessible due to insecurity, allowing women to reach their fields in places like Bule, Tshupa, Sapali... All of this is in addition to day and night patrols that help keep enemies away from our area. In short, their presence reassures us, helps us go to the fields, move freely, and the collaboration with the population is good,” explains Eric Zawadi, a member of the local civil society.
With Operation “Nyundo II” MONUSCO aims to strengthen security and gradually restore stability in these territories of Ituri, which have been heavily affected by armed conflict.
Jean-Tobie Okala
