Under UN Protection: Congolese Farmers Seek Refuge and Hope Amid Conflict

 Beneath the scorching sun of the Democratic Republic of Congo, farmers in the conflict-ridden eastern region find solace in an unlikely ally: United Nations peacekeepers. The presence of the U.N. force, known as MONUSCO, has become a lifeline for many, particularly in the Djugu territory village of Dhendro, where displaced farmers are guarded as they toil in their fields.

For farmers like 23-year-old Lokana Heritier, the peacekeepers represent a fragile shield against the chaos of conflict. “I came here because of the presence of MONUSCO. It’s thanks to their presence that I can go to the fields; otherwise, I’d be too afraid,” Heritier, who fled his village to live near the U.N. base, shared.

Deployed in Congo since 2010, MONUSCO inherited its mission from an earlier U.N. operation aimed at stabilizing the eastern region bordering Rwanda. Over the years, the mission has faced mounting criticism for perceived shortcomings in protecting civilians as violence among rebel groups, self-defense forces, and militias persists.

However, in Dhendro, MONUSCO’s efforts are warmly welcomed. The "Secure Harvest" initiative, launched by the peacekeeping force, provides crucial protection for farmers cultivating corn, beans, potatoes, and manioc. Brigadier General Monzurul Alam highlighted the importance of the program:

“Our main objective is to secure farmers in their farmlands while they work. We believe this directly supports the civilian protection mandate that MONUSCO is tasked with,” Alam explained.

By guarding the fields during harvest, MONUSCO not only shields farmers from theft and violence but also supports a vital aspect of their survival in a region where agriculture is a cornerstone of livelihood.

Despite its local successes, MONUSCO’s presence in Congo has been fraught with controversy. In December of the previous year, the U.N. Security Council approved a plan to end the mission, following President Felix Tshisekedi’s request. The 13,500-strong force had become a target of protests and attacks over accusations of ineffectiveness in safeguarding the population.

Yet, in July, the Congolese government pivoted, requesting MONUSCO to remain in Ituri and North Kivu provinces until specific conditions for withdrawal were met—details of which remain undisclosed.

While the broader conflict continues to rage across eastern Congo, Dhendro’s farmers are a testament to the significance of localized peacekeeping efforts. For those displaced by violence, MONUSCO’s protection offers a rare opportunity to rebuild lives, tend to fields, and harvest hope.

As discussions about the future of MONUSCO unfold, the voices of those it shields—like the farmers of Dhendro—serve as a powerful reminder of the force’s critical role in an unstable region. Whether or not MONUSCO stays, its impact on the lives of Congo’s most vulnerable will leave an indelible mark.