UN-DR Congo operation to boost security around Goma and Sake amid threats

Описание: (6 Nov 2023)
RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY:
  
ASSOCIATED PRESS  
Saké, Democratic Republic of Congo - 6 November 2023  
1. Tracking shot of United Nations’ MONUSCO peacekeeping mission to Congo soldier carrying a rocket launcher
2. UN troops board an armoured vehicle 
3. Congolese government soldiers on back of a pickup truck  
4. Major Éric Deshaies-Martin, Head of Information Operations, MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) Goma, readies his weapon 
5. SOUNDBITE (French) Major Éric Deshaies-Martin, MONUSCO media officer:
"If the M23 breaks out, we'll follow our rules of engagement, we're going to defend the DRC (Congo) and we're going to adopt a more offensive and committed stance." 
6. Close-up of peacekeepers on a car 
7. Congolese soldiers and peacekeepers look at a map 
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Lt. Gen. Otávio Rodrigues de Miranda Filho, MONUSCO Force Commander:
“As I was telling to my good friend here, we have a full commitment with the protection of the citizens of the DRC and all soldiers that are deployed here. They are here outside our bases because they are ready to die, if necessary, to protect the population of this country.”  
9. Congolese and UN officers accompanied by their men  
10. Peacekeepers and Congolese soldiers walk on hillside  
11. SOUNDBITE (English) Lt. Gen. Otávio Rodrigues de Miranda Filho, MONUSCO Force Commander:
“It's necessary to emphasise to everyone that MONUSCO has a mandate to support FARDC (Congolese Army), when FARDC said we are fighting and we need your help, we will be here in order to support FARDC and only FARDC.” 
12. UN tank next to a mountain  
13. Peacekeepers kneel in firing position with a rocket launcher
14. Tracking shot from a vehicle of a village
15. SOUNDBITE (French) Christophe Muyisa, Saké resident:
“Goma has been under permanent threat for some time now, so now is not the time for MONUSCO to redeem itself or regain the trust of the population. We are very disappointed to see the FARDC accept, or the government naively accept this new offer from MONUSCO. MONUSCO has been here for over 20 years and has not been able to solve the security problems of the Congolese people."
16. Peacekeepers and Congolese soldiers walk on a mountain 
17. Wide view of peacekeepers in position to launch shells
STORYLINE:
United Nations peacekeepers launched a joint security operation with Congolese government troops on Monday aimed at reinforcing security around the city of Goma in the east of Congo and around the nearby town of Sake.

The towns face threats from several armed groups, including from the M23 rebel movement which Congo accuses neighbour Rwanda of supporting.

Fighting in the region has forced residents to flee their villages.

The new joint operation, named Springbok, has established several fresh defensive positions, with UN armoured vehicles and heavily armed troops seen deployed in the hilly terrain near Sake.

Local militia, known as "Wazalendo", and the M23 rebels from the Kibumba and Buhumba region have been clashing in the Nyiragongo territory, some twenty kilometers from Goma.  

Travellers were stranded this week on the Goma-Rutshuru road on either side of the area where the fighting was taking place.

Securing the Goma region is one of MONUSCO's key tasks. The UN's Force commander, Lt. Gen. Otávio Rodrigues de Miranda Filho from Brazil was present at the launch of one joint patrol and emphasised his forces commitment to helping the Congolese troops.


AP video shot by Justin Kabumba



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