MONUSCO strengthens training for southern African peacekeepers in eastern DRC amid escalating conflict

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) has launched a specialized training programme for officers from the Southern African Development Community’s Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

Aimed at bolstering peace efforts in the conflict-ridden eastern region, this initiative focuses on capacity-building for the SAMIDRC officers as they work alongside the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).

Running from Monday, 4 November, to Friday, 15 November 2024, the “training of trainers” programme is designed to equip SAMIDRC officers with critical skills they can impart to fellow peacekeepers.

“This training falls under UN Security Council Resolution 2746, which mandates MONUSCO to support SAMIDRC through enhanced coordination, information-sharing, and logistical aid,” stated Vivian van de Perre, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations in the DRC.

Multi-Sector Training and Equipment Donation for Enhanced Peacekeeping

The training programme covers various peacekeeping essentials, including human rights, international humanitarian law, civilian protection, child protection, and prevention of conflict-related sexual violence.

This comprehensive approach ensures that SAMIDRC officers are well-prepared to address the multifaceted challenges they face in eastern DRC.

“The officers undergoing this training will, in turn, educate their teams, thereby strengthening the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations on the ground,” added van de Perre.

As part of this initiative, MONUSCO also provided equipment to SAMIDRC, including an armoured vehicle and 30 maritime containers.

This donation underlines MONUSCO’s commitment to stabilizing eastern DRC, where persistent insecurity has uprooted millions of residents and hindered development.

The need for fortified support has grown increasingly urgent as the M23 rebel group continues to make territorial gains in North Kivu.

Growing Crisis in North Kivu

The training launch coincides with M23’s latest offensive in North Kivu province, where the group reportedly seized control of Kamandi Gîte in the Lubero territory this Sunday.

The M23 movement, allegedly backed by the Rwandan military, has intensified pressure on local and international forces, raising concerns about further destabilization in the region.

MONUSCO’s commitment to building SAMIDRC’s operational capabilities reflects a broader strategy to curb violence and protect civilians.

However, with the ongoing conflict and the M23’s advances, the road to peace remains fraught with challenges for the peacekeeping forces operating in eastern DRC.