Tensions have risen in Mambasa where young people erected barricades to prevent MONUSCO peacekeepers from entering the territory's capital on Tuesday, April 7, despite it having been targeted by a new attack the previous night, according to local sources.

This protest movement comes as a reconnaissance team from the UN mission, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), was deployed on Tuesday to assess the security situation and strengthen the protection of civilians. This initiative takes place in a particularly worrying context, marked by repeated attacks attributed to the ADF, which have already left nearly a hundred dead in one month, according to human rights activists.

A controversial deployment on the ground

The convoy of UN peacekeepers, coming from Beni (North Kivu), arrived in Mambasa-centre on Tuesday morning as part of its mandate to protect civilians. However, upon arrival, some residents, particularly young people, opposed their presence by erecting barricades to block their access.

Despite persistent insecurity and calls for increased protection.

Call for awareness

Local civil society actors reiterate that MONUSCO remains a key partner of the government in security efforts. However, they deplore the lack of prior communication surrounding this deployment, believing that this lack of awareness has contributed to escalating tensions.

They are calling for calm and de-escalation, while also advocating for a better understanding of the UN mission's mandate. During an expanded security meeting, several recommendations were made, including the need to strengthen information and awareness-raising efforts among local populations.

Army reaction

The FARDC condemns the behavior of some young people who prevented the MONUSCO peacekeepers' reconnaissance convoy from accessing the center of Mambasa.

In a statement made Wednesday, April 8 in Bunia, the army described these acts as "anti-republican", arguing that they do not contribute to peace efforts, but rather benefit armed groups that terrorize the population in the area.

The FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) are warning the alleged instigators, accused of manipulating the population for private gain. They also reiterate that MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) remains a partner of the government in restoring peace in Ituri and call on the population to cooperate with the UN mission.