The UN Mission for Stabilization in Democratic Republic of Congo,MONUSCO is currently redeploying its troops to Goma to allegedly protect the city from mutineers, the country’s UN envoy says.
Roger Meece said he was determined to protect population centres in the east from advancing rebels of the M23 group.
Meanwhile, accoring to a source, the army has retaken the two towns recently captured by the fighters.
However, M23 rebels say they have no intention of taking Goma and want to negotiate with the government.
During the press conference held Tuesday, July 10 in Kinshasa, the head of MONUSCO, Meece also reiterated the commitment of peacekeepers in protecting civilians in large cities of the province of North Kivu.
“We take all provisions with the FARDC against any threat to civilian populations. Tanks will be made to prevent the progression of the rebels toward Goma and other towns, “said Meece.
When the decision to extend the mandate of Monusco until 30 June 2013, the Security Council asked UN mission in DRC primarily to protect civilians and maintain a reserve force able to quickly redeploy in the country.
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