The Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General of the UN in the DRC, Leila Zerrougui, has announced support Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC) in a campaign to neutralize armed groups operating in North Kivu.
She made the announcement on Friday 8 June, following the visit with members of the central government in the town of Bunagana, in Rutshuru (North Kivu).
This visit was to assess the security situation in the province characterised by armed violence in all jurisdictions.
Zerrougui noted armed groups constitute a threat to civilians in North Kivu and should put them out of harm’s way.
“Our soldiers (Monusco) have received clear instructions to give full support to the FARDC as part of our mandate. We will consider the protection of civilian populations in areas that are most at risk to neutralize the armed groups,” she said.
She added that the UN mission working with the FARDC to act against armed groups that destabilize the region.
“Whether it is the FDLR, Raya Mutomboki, Cheka Group, we believe that all are negative groups that target civilians. And therefore, they must be neutralised and Monusco will support the FARDC to do, “she said.
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