In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 120 members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have completed a specialized training course conducted by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Bunia. The two-week training, which ended on October 10, 2025, aimed to enhance the technical and operational skills of Congolese troops deployed in Ituri province, where armed groups continue to pose a threat.

The training, led by MONUSCO’s North Sector, covered various modules, including telecommunications, GPS, drone operation, and computer literacy, as well as first-aid and paramedical training. The sessions were delivered by instructors from Bangladesh, Morocco, Indonesia, and Nepal. The training also included instruction on mortar and machine-gun handling, providing FARDC soldiers with practical skills to respond effectively to operational challenges in the field.

During the closing ceremony, the trainees demonstrated the techniques they learned, in the presence of local authorities and UN officials. The Military Governor of Ituri, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya Nkashama, commended the commitment of the Congolese troops and thanked MONUSCO and the participating contingents for their support. He emphasized the importance of continuous training, given the ongoing threat posed by armed groups in the region.

The training is part of MONUSCO’s efforts to build the capacity of Congolese forces and enable them to apply their skills independently and sustainably. According to Brigadier-General Md Saiful Alam Bhuiyan, Commander of MONUSCO’s North Sector, capacity-building is an integral part of the mission’s mandate. Over the past year, MONUSCO has trained more than 1,600 Congolese soldiers in areas such as combat, weapons handling, and international humanitarian law.

The initiative has contributed to the development of lasting skills that contribute to peace and stability in the province. Additional training sessions are underway, with over 600 soldiers currently undergoing training at the Diango site, focusing on rocket-launcher operation with the Nepalese contingent. The ongoing training programs demonstrate MONUSCO’s commitment to supporting the Congolese authorities in their efforts to build a more stable and secure environment in the region.