U.N. peacekeepers support operations in Ituri; mission launches reinsertion and community programs

The United Nations said its peacekeeping mission supported the Congolese armed forces in Ituri province during a joint operation near a market in Fataki linked to clashes with a group identified in the briefing as an armed group active in the area. Peacekeepers established a mobile operating base to help stabilize the area, carried out joint patrols with the Congolese army around the market, nearby displacement camps and along a route to a local bridge, and reported no civilian casualties and that the armed group had retreated.

Separately, the U.N. mission and the national disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and stabilization program launched community reinsertion projects for more than 1,000 former combatants from the group. Over the next six months, participants will be enrolled in income-generating activities, training, local dialogue and psychosocial support. Community members and youth at risk will also be included, the U.N. said, as part of efforts to improve social cohesion and reduce violence.

Humanitarian partners warned that sexual- and gender-based violence is on the rise across the DRC. The briefing cited more than 67,000 cases of gender-based violence reported between January and April this year, a 38 percent increase compared with the same period last year; only 58 percent of documented victims reportedly received appropriate medical care within 72 hours. Local partners in South Kivu reported shortages of post-exposure kits and program closures in March due to aid cuts.

Ending: The U.N. said it will brief the Security Council on Ukraine later in the afternoon and highlighted ongoing humanitarian and protection concerns in eastern DRC.