Beneath the scorching sun in the Democratic Republic of Congo, numerous farmers working in the troubled eastern region are shielded by United Nations (UN) peacekeepers.
The U.N. mission has faced increasing scrutiny over the years as the conflict between rebel groups, self-defence forces, and other militias has escalated in the east.
However, in this corner of Djugu territory, in the village of Dhendro, farmers are resolute in their support for the U.N. force known by the acronym MONUSCO. Many of these farmers, displaced from their homes by the conflict, now live in camps near the U.N. bases.
“I came here because of the presence of MONUSCO. It’s thanks to their presence that I’m going to the field; otherwise I’m afraid,” said 23-year-old Lokana Heritier, who left his village to live closer to the blue helmets, in an interview with Reuters.
MONUSCO has been deployed in Congo since 2010, taking over from an earlier U.N. operation aimed at securing the troubled eastern region, which borders Rwanda.
The operation to protect farmers who grow corn, beans, potatoes, and manioc is known as “Secure Harvest.” Its goal is to allow them to work freely during the harvesting season and to provide protection from militia groups who steal crops and kill people.
“The main objective is to secure the farmers in their farmland when they are working. We believe this is directly linked to the protection of civilians that MONUSCO is mandated for,” Brigadier General Monzurul Alam told Reuters.
Last year, the U.N. Security Council approved the end of the mission at the request of President Felix Tshisekedi. The 13,500-strong force had faced attacks and protests over perceptions that it had failed to secure the population.
In July, Congo’s government reversed its position and asked MONUSCO to remain in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces until conditions were met for the force’s departure.
