Kenyan peacekeepers serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have ramped up patrols and local security cooperation in Mambasa territory. The deployment, which aims to protect civilians from armed groups, has earned direct praise from Ituri provincial authorities for improving response times to security threats.
The security landscape in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has drawn renewed attention following a high-level commendation from provincial leadership. Major General Gaby Mulumba, the Military Governor of Ituri province, recently met with the leadership of the 5th Kenya Quick Reaction Force to formally express gratitude for the contingent’s work in protecting local communities, as the Ministry of Defence in Kenya reported.
Static Deployment and Joint Operations in Mambasa
The Kenyan military contingent, operating under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, established a Static Combat Deployment in Mambasa more than a month ago. According to the Ministry of Defence, the deployment has focused on protecting civilians, supporting local security agencies and limiting the activities of armed groups operating in the area. The Kenyan deployment comes as Mambasa remains one of the areas of Ituri where armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), have posed a threat to civilians.
To achieve these objectives, KENQRF 5 has carried out day and night patrols in Mambasa and surrounding areas, including joint operations with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
Bridging Communication Gaps With Community Early Warnings
Military patrols represent only one layer of the ongoing stabilization effort. MONUSCO has previously identified Mambasa as a priority area for civilian protection. In May, the UN mission said ADF attacks had killed dozens in Mambasa, prompting efforts to strengthen community-based early warning systems. The mission trained 40 local leaders in Mambasa, including 12 women, to manage, verify and quickly share security alerts with authorities. The training was aimed at helping security agencies respond faster when residents report suspicious activity. Mambasa territory remains a priority for MONUSCO,
said Sado Bahemuka from the mission’s Civil Affairs Section in Bunia, while explaining the need to strengthen local early warning mechanisms. Residents have also raised concerns about gaps in communication that can delay security responses. Omba Hemeni, president of the Mambasa Territorial Youth Council, said residents had learnt how to raise alerts but also needed better communication with authorities.
This training was very important,
Omba said, noting that some security information could take time to reach authorities because of communication problems.
Collaborative Response Frameworks and Humanitarian Support
Beyond tactical maneuvers and youth workshops, the Kenyan troops have also worked with the Congolese National Police (PNC) to respond to security alerts raised by residents. The Ministry of Defence said the cooperation has helped improve the response time when residents report threats. Military Governor of Ituri Major General Gaby Mulumba recently met the leadership of the Kenyan Quick Reaction Force to express his appreciation for the contingent’s contribution to security in Mambasa. The meeting also highlighted the cooperation between KENQRF 5, FARDC and PNC as the three forces work to respond to threats facing residents.
In addition to security duties, the deployment incorporates a direct humanitarian dimension. The Ministry of Defence said the Kenyan troops have also organised medical camps for residents, adding a humanitarian component to the deployment.
