Helis, May 15, 2024 - The mission of the Uruguayan Air Force deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (URUAVU), stationed at Kavumu airport since 2010, has reached its conclusion.
As an integral part of the peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the 5th Squadron of the Uruguayan Air Force has operated on rotation two Bell 212 helicopters within the country for the past 14 years.
Throughout their deployment, the Bell 212s have played a crucial role, flying an average of 800 hours annually, facilitating numerous evacuation missions while also conducting a wide range of other operations, including utility tasks, passenger and cargo transport, search and rescue, and patrolling.
A total of 772 Uruguayan personnel have served under MONUSCO, supporting the air contingent.
MONUSCO's mandate initially focused on monitoring the peace process following the Second Congo War. However, over time, its attention shifted to addressing various conflicts within the region, including the Ituri conflict, the Kivu conflict, and the Dongo conflict. Notably, prior to 2010, this deployment was conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC).
As the URUAVU mission comes to a close, it marks the end of a significant chapter in the collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On May 10, the final phase of bringing back all the equipment, personnel, and aircraft of the URUAVU team started. A Bangladesh Air Force C-130B was in charge of taking the Uruguayan helicopters out of the country, marking the end of their mission.
As an integral part of the peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the 5th Squadron of the Uruguayan Air Force has operated on rotation two Bell 212 helicopters within the country for the past 14 years.
Throughout their deployment, the Bell 212s have played a crucial role, flying an average of 800 hours annually, facilitating numerous evacuation missions while also conducting a wide range of other operations, including utility tasks, passenger and cargo transport, search and rescue, and patrolling.
A total of 772 Uruguayan personnel have served under MONUSCO, supporting the air contingent.
MONUSCO's mandate initially focused on monitoring the peace process following the Second Congo War. However, over time, its attention shifted to addressing various conflicts within the region, including the Ituri conflict, the Kivu conflict, and the Dongo conflict. Notably, prior to 2010, this deployment was conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC).
As the URUAVU mission comes to a close, it marks the end of a significant chapter in the collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On May 10, the final phase of bringing back all the equipment, personnel, and aircraft of the URUAVU team started. A Bangladesh Air Force C-130B was in charge of taking the Uruguayan helicopters out of the country, marking the end of their mission.
212 UNO-851 ( United Nations )
Bukavu See also |
212 in
Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya MONUSCO United Nations
Tenth Anniversary of Uruguayan Helicopters in the Congo
