UNO: In an effort to protect its two white helicopters delivering humanitarian aid in eastern Congo from militia attacks by standing out from other aircraft, the UN painted them bright orange.
Since the M23 rebel group, one of many armed militias operating in the area, launched a new offensive last year, security has gotten worse in east Congo.
The fighting has engulfed humanitarian efforts to aid the thousands of civilians who have been displaced by the fighting. Nine aid workers lost their lives as a result of 293 security incidents that affected relief efforts in the east Congo last year, according to the U.N. Last year, there were more than 20 kidnappings.
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The two repainted World Food Programme helicopters were unveiled this week by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). Their colour was chosen to avoid confusion with the white ones, which have previously been attacked, used by the U.N. peacekeeping mission MONUSCO.
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However, a Goma-based civil society activist was dubious. The fundamental issue, which is insecurity, is unaffected by the change in colour, Stewart Muhindo told Reuters by phone.
He said, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with MONUSCO that frequently ignites protests, "The fact that the humanitarian community is trying to stand out is proof that the United Nations system has failed in its peacekeeping mission.
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In the midst of rebel fighting in March of last year, a MONUSCO helicopter on a reconnaissance mission crashed, killing eight peacekeepers. The M23 was blamed by the government, which they refuted.
Another peacekeeper was killed in February when a mission-operated helicopter came under fire while it was in the air.