MONUSCO Strengthens Civilian Protection in DR Congo's Ituri Province

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is continuing its civilian protection operations in Ituri Province's Djugu Territory. In Fataki and Bule, MONUSCO peacekeepers are maintaining a presence on the ground, conducting regular patrols with the Congolese army to protect civilians and secure key roads. The efforts are beginning to produce results, with residents returning to their fields and villages. In Fataki, Nepalese peacekeepers patrol the main roads and high-risk areas, while in Bule, Bangladeshi peacekeepers conduct patrols and engage directly with local communities. The Bangladeshi contingent has also carried out community-focused initiatives, including the 'Secure Harvest' operation, which has benefited over 36,000 people. In Bule, a large part of the population had fled the fighting and sought refuge, but some residents are now returning to clean their homes and cultivate their fields. However, the return remains challenging due to destroyed homes and limited access to essential services.