UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
3 Mar
2009
MONUC returns fire in Kisangani
Following a report received on Monday, 5 April 2004, indicating the presence of a weapon and ammunition-loaded truck at a residence in Kisangani, MONUC dispatched a group of approximately 30 soldiers to the site to verify the allegations.
The residence in question belongs to the Deputy Commander of the 7th military brigade. Informed by his bodyguards, the latter rushed into the residence a few minutes later and reacted violently to the peacekeepers by firing an AK 47 into the air and ground, and ordering MONUC troops to vacate the premises.
To avoid aggravating the situation, the peacekeepers started withdrawing, but shootings went on in their direction, targeting three UN mission vehicles, which obliged the UN troops to shoot back.
The shooting incident lasted for a few minutes. Later in the night, MONUC was informed of the death of a soldier of the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), shot down by a bullet in the head, reportedly during the shoot-out. MONUC returned to the scene and saw the body of the victim. An investigation is ongoing to establish the responsibilities.
At the end of yesterday's talks between the local military and civilian authorities and MONUC, this morning's meeting of the Security Provincial Committee clarified the matter by explaining that the truck in question was to transport weapons and ammunitions for the military region. The meeting deplored the incident and stressed the need to reinforce coordination and cooperation with respect to military issues.
To avoid aggravating the situation, the peacekeepers started withdrawing, but shootings went on in their direction, targeting three UN mission vehicles, which obliged the UN troops to shoot back.
The shooting incident lasted for a few minutes. Later in the night, MONUC was informed of the death of a soldier of the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), shot down by a bullet in the head, reportedly during the shoot-out. MONUC returned to the scene and saw the body of the victim. An investigation is ongoing to establish the responsibilities.
At the end of yesterday's talks between the local military and civilian authorities and MONUC, this morning's meeting of the Security Provincial Committee clarified the matter by explaining that the truck in question was to transport weapons and ammunitions for the military region. The meeting deplored the incident and stressed the need to reinforce coordination and cooperation with respect to military issues.
