On 31 Jan 22, The Kenyan Quick Reaction Force contingent deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) conducted area dominating patrols in the areas of OFAI, BADIMBESI, SESA and IDOHU along KOMANDA – BENI road.
There had been reported attacks on civilians and the Congolese National Army (FARDC) in the aforementioned areas by alleged Allied Defense Forces (ADF).
The Kenya Blue helmet soldiers had gone on a patrol mission to assess the situation, disrupt illegal armed groups and reassure local population in the affected areas. While at OFAI FARDC camp, the patrol heard gun shots and responded immediately to establish what was happening. They found a number of civilians had been killed by the attackers and there was a nursing mother together with an infant had multiple gunshot wounds.
The patrol managed to repel the attackers, administered first aid to the injured mother and her infant and thereafter transferred them to a local health center for specialized treatment. Protection of civilians remains the paramount mandate for the Blue helmets. Also in accordance with the United Nations guidelines on child protection, the infant was handed over to the local administration while at the hospital for further attention.
The Kenyan Quick Reaction Force has since intensified patrols in the area to deny ADF freedom of movement/action thus stopping further atrocities.
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