© Sven Torfinn / Panos Pictures..Democratic Republic of Congo, Bunia, Ituri Province. 06/2003...A young boy waves at French soldiers on patrol..Following violent clashes between the Hema and Lendu tribes, the European Union launched its first ever military operation outside Europe. 1500 troops, mostly from France, were deployed to protect civilians and restore order in Bunia. Around 300,000 residents of the town had fled the fighting, and only 10,000 remained, mostly in and around the UN buildings.