UN peacekeepers guard Congo farmers from militias

Under a scorching sun in Democratic Republic of Congo, many of the farmers tending to their fields in the troubled eastern region are guarded by United Nations peacekeepers.

The UN mission has fallen under increasing scrutiny over the years as the eastern conflict between rebel groups, self defence forces and other militias has raged.

But in this corner of Djugu territory in the village of Dhendro, farmers are unequivocal in their support for the UN force known by the acronym MONUSCO. The farmers, many displaced from their homes by the conflict, shelter in camps near the UN bases.

MONUSCO has been deployed in Congo since 2010, when it took over from an earlier UN operation to secure the troubled eastern region that borders Rwanda.

The operation to guard farmers who grow corn, beans, potatoes and manioc, is known as "Secure Harvest" and it aims to allow them to work freely during the harvesting season and provide protection from militia groups who steal produce and kill people.

Last year, the UN Security Council approved the end of the mission at the request of President Felix Tshisekedi. The 13,500-strong force had faced attacks and protests over perceptions that it had failed to secure the population.

Congo's government reversed course in July and asked MONUSCO to remain in Ituri and North Kivu provinces until conditions were met for the force's departure, without providing further details.

In July, Congo’s government reversed its position and asked MONUSCO to remain in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces until conditions were met for the force’s departure.