DRC: MONUSCO trains thirty Congolese soldiers FARDC to jungle fights.
By Prosper HERI NGORORA
Goma, 12 March 2024 – Amidst gradual disengagement process, the UN Organization stabilization mission in the DR Congo is pursuing its mission to support Congolese army to combat in dangerous areas. The training was delivered by Brazilian troops from MONUSCO, raising hope to end ADF activism in Beni region.
The UN Organization stabilization mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo has closed its program which supported in training three tens of Congolese soldiers in Beni town and Beni territory, in North-Kivu province in East of DRC.
The operation was carried out by Brazilian contingent of MONUSCO, in order to beefing-up the capacity of Congolese army so that it can grapple with ADF rebels, qualified as loggerheads by Congolese authorities.
These terrorists are reportedly attacking civilians and creating mayhem in North Kivu and Ituri provinces for so long.
During three weeks, FARDC soldiers underwent several exercises in densely wooded area near Beni in North Kivu, being accompanied by Brazilian peacekeepers from MONUSCO, examine their compasses in search of a direction and a landmark.
A MONUSCO information officer in the region revealed that those soldiers were required to find, in dense wood and using coordinates written on paper, a very position.
The route is littered with obstacles of all kinds, natural such as rivers, but also probably enemy positions. And Congolese soldiers ought to know how to overcome or circumvent all these obstacles and carry out the mission with success.
He underscores that this is a practical application scenario for one of the training modules intended for FARDC soldiers.
For three weeks, these soldiers were equipped with, among other things: jungle combat techniques and tactics; they also learned how to move and orient themselves day or night in the jungle, how to confront an enemy or take care of the wounded, even swim to cross a stream.
Their trainers, a team of Brazilian peacekeepers, specialize in jungle combat.
“Brazilian peacekeepers were born in the jungle and therefore know jungle combat well. The FARDC were also born in the Beni Forest, they must know how to fight in the jungle, because the enemy they are fighting, the ADF, operates in the jungle” said Josiah Obat, the head of MONUSCO Bureau in Beni.
This operation is part of MONUSCO’s mission to support defense and security services to do their jobs efficiently.
“In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2717, we must work closely with the FARDC in order to be able to effectively carry out operations that will resolve the security problems in this region” added General Alfred Matamba, the commander of the MONUSCO Intervention Brigade (FIB).
This training is all the timelier as the Beni region is dealing with daily attacks by ADF rebels.
This training has satisfied some of learners, as they operate from the forest where they retreat after their attacks.
“Thanks to this training, we have added value to defeat armed groups and restore peace. We now have knowledge that gives us the advantage over the enemy, day and night” said Captain Rombaut Mukoka, who was part of learners.
During this training, MONUSCO has provided to the 30 learners with the best possible conditions: installation of tents for their accommodation in a FARDC military camp, with supply of water, electricity and daily meals, provision of toilets and so on.
Brazilian government has promised the six best learners a stay in Brazil to deepen their knowledge in jungle combat techniques.
The training ended on 7 March 2024 and all learners have been delivered participation certificates.
