MONUSCO Strengthens Civilian Protection in Ituri as Displaced Return Begins

In Fataki and Bule, MONUSCO troops have intensified patrols and community outreach amid ongoing clashes between the FARDC and CRP. Lieutenant‑General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes visited the area on 26 August, noting that joint operations with Congolese forces are improving security. Colonel Rufin Mapela reported a visible uptick in people returning to fields and preparing to re‑enter villages. In Bule, Bangladeshi contingents run the “Secure Harvest” and “Safe Schooling” initiatives, aiding over 36 000 and 24 000 residents respectively, and 17 medical campaigns have treated nearly 1 700 people since December 2025. More than 60 000 displaced persons now consider returning, though infrastructure and services remain limited. Jim Mutunda said the MONUSCO‑FARDC partnership is key to enabling safe resettlement.