Kenya’s 5th Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 5), recently conducted a long-range foot and vehicle patrol into Mayimoya village today, 23 kilometres north-east of their main base in Mavivi. The operation directly advances MONUSCO’s tiered approach to civilian protection by delivering the mission’s second tier; that of establishing a protective environment designed to deter armed groups and shrink their freedom of movement and action.
During the day-long patrol, Kenyan peacekeepers swept through Mayimoya and its environs, engaged local leaders and demonstrated UN presence in an area prone to targeted armed groups’ attacks. By projecting credible force far beyond their fixed positions, KENQRF 5 signalled to armed actors that attacks or movement restrictions on civilians will meet rapid response, a core deterrent effect MONUSCO identifies as essential in eastern DRC’s fragmented conflict zones.
In briefings to the troops prior to this patrol, contingent leaders stressed that every kilometre covered reinforces the message that the UN and its Troop Contributing Countries remain committed to shielding Congolese civilians until national forces can fully assume responsibility.
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