KINSHASA - The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) MONUSCO said on Tuesday that disinformation, misinformation and hate speech continue to foment violence and social breakdown in the restive North Kivu area.

Peacekeepers are tasked with protection of civilians across the eastern DRC, where multiple armed groups continue to battle Government troops, and carry out attacks on civilians.

Peacekeepers were deployed to Gina in North Kivu in response to alerts that the Zaire armed group had surrounded the Congolese National Police office in the area, UN Spokesperson Dujarric told reporters on Tuesday.

Peacekeepers provide deterrence

“UN peacekeepers deterred the Zaire armed group fighters in close collaboration with the Congolese Armed Forces, prompting the Zaire fighters to withdraw”, he added.

MONUSCO also deployed a patrol to the Kwe mining site, near Bunia in Ituri province, after members of the CODECO armed group attempted to launch an attack.

“Meanwhile, the Mission informs about the continued use of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech, especially in the context of the M23 rebellion in North Kivu, which is threatening the social cohesion and security in the area”, Mr. Dujarric continued.

In response, MONUSCO organized a discussion forum for around100 local journalists and influencers in the regional capital Goma “to promote responsible reporting that supports peace and stability in the region.”