A few days after taking office, the Military Governor of Ituri Province, Major General Gaby Kasongo Mulumba Batoka, visited 25 June 2026 MONUSCO's military facilities at Ndoromo Camp in Bunia. He was accompanied by the Head of MONUSCO Office in Ituri, Josiah Obat, and the Commander of the MONUSCO Force North Sector, Major General Saiful Alam Bhuiyan.
The visit began at the Joint Operations Centre MONUSCO-FARDC, where the Governor was briefed on the planning, coordination and monitoring mechanisms supporting joint operations conducted with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) to enhance security across the province. He then visited the Indonesian contingents, primarily deployed in Irumu Territory, where they conduct regular patrols, secure key roads and infrastructure, and help protect civilians.
The delegation also visited the Moroccan Level II Hospital, which provides specialized medical care to Mission personnel, at a time when the Ebola response remains a priority in Ituri. The Governor then paid tribute at the memorial dedicated to peacekeepers who lost their lives in the line of duty, honouring their sacrifice in the service of peace. The visit continued with the Bangladeshi contingent, primarily deployed in Djugu Territory. Operating extensively in the area, the contingent conducts robust patrols alongside the FARDC, protects civilians and supports local communities through civil-military cooperation activities.
Major General Gaby Kasongo Mulumba Batoka praised the professionalism of MONUSCO personnel and the strong cooperation between the Mission and the Congolese authorities.
"Today's visit is part of my engagement with partners involved in stabilizing and securing Ituri Province. Its objective is to better understand MONUSCO's operational capabilities and coordination mechanisms in support of civilian protection and the restoration of peace," he said.
Across Ituri, MONUSCO Force works alongside the FARDC in areas affected by armed group violence. Peacekeepers conduct joint patrols, secure key supply routes, protect displacement sites, health facilities and humanitarian workers, while facilitating medical evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian assistance whenever security conditions require.
Beyond military operations, MONUSCO also supports stabilization efforts through civil-military cooperation activities, community dialogue, social cohesion initiatives, rehabilitation of essential infrastructure and support to reintegration programmes. This comprehensive approach helps strengthen trust between communities, supports the gradual restoration of State authority and contributes to creating the conditions for lasting peace.
"I greatly appreciate the excellent spirit of cooperation between MONUSCO and the Congolese authorities. This partnership is a major asset in addressing insecurity and restoring State authority throughout Ituri Province," the Governor added.
At the end of his visit, the Governor called on all communities in Ituri to actively support peace efforts.
"We must restore peace through all lawful means. Beyond military operations, we must reconcile the communities of Ituri. I call on women, men and young people to work hand in hand to create the conditions for lasting peace."
Didier Vignon Dossou-Gbakon
