United Nations withdraws troops from Congo (DRC) South Kivu

Issuing time:20/04/2024 - 23:09   9 minutesIn the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RD Congo) in Africa, the withdrawal operation of the United Nations peacekeeping force-Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco) is underway. In the Kalehe area of South Kivu Province, Pakistani Blue Helmets handed over their camp to the military forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo yesterday, Friday (April 19, 2024). Our special correspondent from RFI witnessed the officially organized handover ceremony on the spot. The top military and political leaders and women leaders in South Kivu positively recognized the efforts of the UN peacekeeping troops and expressed their gratitude.                                                                                                                                                                                                

Archived photo/South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Pakistani Blue Helmets from Monusco hand over the Bunyakiri camp on Friday, April 19, 2024. Image Archive / MONUSCO : Camp Bunyakiri occupies 2004 and 19 avril 2024 auxiliary forces in RDC. Ici, Kavumu and Sud-Kivu, in RD Congo. (Illustration) © Photo MONUSCO/ Muhammad Bilal / PAU-4/ SKB

author:Nikola

Archive Map/ Congo (DRC): South Kivu Carte Archive / RD Congo: Sud-Kivu Dr / RFI Archive

One of the latest reports on Africa today (April 20, 2024) on the French website of RFI's French website is that the United Nations peacekeepers are in full swing to withdraw troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are now 10 days left before the short-term goal of withdrawing from the country's South Kivu province by the end of April. The ultimate goal is to complete the withdrawal mission from the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year (2024).

- Pakistan's Blue Helmets are recognized by the people of South Kivu -

According to a report from RFI's French website, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco) in South Kivu has closed its Kamanyola base in the Walungu region and its base in Kabare. Amsar camp in Kabare area. The Bunyakiri camp handed over by the Pakistani Blue Helmets on Friday, April 19, is located in the Kalehe area. The local area is located 80 kilometers north of Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu Province. This UN peacekeeping camp is located next to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Pakistani Blue Helmets have been stationed there for 20 years since 2004.

RFI's special correspondent William Basimike attended the ceremony on Friday where Pakistani blue helmets handed over the camp to the Congolese military forces. At the scene, Maliyabo Munganga, a women leader in Bunyakiri, thanked the Pakistani peacekeepers for their efforts. The female leader bluntly stated to President Félix Tshisekedi that they (Pakistani soldiers) stabilized the security situation because, since their arrival, rape cases have decreased.

-The military and political authorities of South Kivu thank the Pakistani Blue Helmets-

Bunyakiri camp in South Kivu was initially a fluid base of operations. It became a permanent camp in 2016. 80 peacekeeping soldiers are deployed here, responsible for protecting more than 10,000 surrounding residents. Ebrima Ceesay, the head of operations supporting the United Nations, reiterated that the United Nations has not given up on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He said: “After the withdrawal of the Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco), United Nations agencies, funds and projects will continue to provide support in accordance with the mandate. However, the responsibility for security and civil defense belongs to the Congolese government.

Archive Photo/DRC: Military training in Bunyakiri, South Kivu. Image Archive / RFI Archive

Marc Malago, deputy governor of South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and General Gr. Mabosso Jean-Ladis, deputy commander of military logistics and administration in South Kivu Province, also praised the Pakistani peacekeepers for restoring peace. They also promised that the Congolese government will shoulder the responsibility of ensuring people's security.

Archived Map/South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its provincial capital Bukavu.

 RFI Carte Archive / RD Congo : Sud-Kivu in the province of Congo.

(Translated and edited by  : Nicolas  RFI  )