MONUSCO honors 469 peacekeepers fallen in service to peace in DRC

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) held a ceremony in Kinshasa on May 29 to mark the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The event honored the memory of fallen peacekeepers and featured official speeches highlighting the crucial role of these personnel in peace missions within the DRC.

The commemoration included the laying of wreaths, moments of silence, and official addresses. James Swan, the head of MONUSCO, announced that since the mission's establishment as MONUC in 1999, a total of 469 peacekeepers have lost their lives while protecting civilians in the DRC. These fallen personnel hailed from 53 different countries, comprising 435 men and 34 women.

The military component bore the heaviest losses, with 283 members of the force dying in service. "We remember all members of MONUSCO and MONUC, military, police, and civilians, who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. We honor their memory with humility and deep respect," Swan stated. He also stressed the importance of fighting impunity for attacks targeting peacekeepers, adding, "Their service will never be forgotten, and the United Nations will continue to seek justice to combat impunity, as attacks against peacekeepers can constitute war crimes."

In the current security context in eastern DRC, MONUSCO peacekeepers continue their operations to protect civilians, conducting patrols to deter attacks by armed groups, particularly in Ituri. The mission also supports the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in operations aimed at neutralizing armed groups and securing critical areas.