North Kivu, 31 August 2009 - MONUC’s North Kivu brigade established a Temporary Operating Base (TOB) in Hombo North in North Kivu province in eastern DRC last week. The TOB, which lies on the border between North and South Kivu province, was established to enhance security for the local population in the region, although working conditions on the ground pose big challenges for MONUC's Indian Blue Helmets in the base.
Conditions on the ground and the poor roads in the region posed big challenges for the installation and functioning of the TOB, and the situation is an example of the difficulties MONUC’s Blue Helmets face in North Kivu province, in order to follow their mandate of protecting the civilian population.
The nearest MONUC Mobile Operating Base is 122km north of Hombo, but the road conditions in this region are dismal; the Walikale to Hombo road is passable for only 12 kilometres south of Walikale.
The dismal road conditions and Hombo’s isolation necessitated air support to completely install the base, and to later supply the troops deployed there. To establish the TOB, firstly a number of reconnaissance missions were carried out to find a suitable landing and deployment site.
The troops were later installed at Hombo and two improvised Jeeps were airlifted from Goma to Hombo, to aid the troops in their work of covering a large area with poor roads.
Otobora is another town within the area that was deemed vulnerable to the activities of armed groups. Although Otobora is only 22km north of Hombo, the travelling time on the Hombo-Otobora road is approximately five to six hours, which describes the enormity of the challenge facing MONUC blue helmets stationed at the base.
The Hombo-Otobra road is in a bad state of repair and is water logged in many places, with a number of broken bridges en route. Despite the enormous challenge and difficulties, the Indian Blue Helmets of the North Kivu brigade are carrying out repairs to the road and bridges, to reduce the journey time and thus increase operational effectiveness.
Braving the adverse terrain conditions and the enormous administrative challenges, the Blue Helmets along with members of a MONUC Joint Protection Team (civil affairs, human rights and child protection staff) are involved in an array of activities to sensitise and protect the local population, including area domination by vehicle and foot patrol, and liaison with the local DRC Armed Forces, village chiefs, police and civil authorities.
Troops from the TOB are continuing their patrols to monitor and dissuade armed group movements and activity in the area, and the establishment of the TOB in the area has greatly enhanced security for the local population in the region.