United Nations peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are guarding farmers in the troubled eastern region, allowing them to cultivate their fields despite ongoing violence.
In Dhendro, a village in Djugu territory, farmers displaced by conflict work under the protection of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission. Many have sought safety near the mission’s bases, including 23-year-old Lokana Heritier, who fled his village. “It’s thanks to their presence that I can go to the field; otherwise, I’d be too afraid,” he said.
The “Secure Harvest” initiative, led by MONUSCO, aims to protect farmers during the harvest season from militias that steal crops and endanger lives. Brigadier General Monzurul Alam, a commander with the mission, described the effort as part of the UN’s mandate to safeguard civilians. “The main objective is to secure farmers in their farmland when they are working,” he said.
MONUSCO has operated in Congo since 2010, succeeding an earlier UN mission. Although criticized for failing to fully stabilize the region, its presence remains crucial in areas like Ituri and North Kivu provinces, where violence persists.
