UN concludes its peacekeeping mission in DR Congo

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a resolution that details the phased withdrawal of its peacekeeping mission, known as MONUSCO, from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This disengagement process will occur in three stages throughout 2024, as reported by the UN news service.

Since 2010, the UN stabilization mission has been operating in the Central African state, with over 12,000 troops stationed in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Its primary objective has been to safeguard civilians from armed groups and assist the government in addressing insecurity in the eastern region of the country.

However, MONUSCO has faced severe criticism and protests due to allegations of failing to fulfill its mandate. There have been accusations of excessive use of force by its soldiers against protesters, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries in recent incidents, according to authorities.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi urged for the swift departure of peacekeepers during the UN General Assembly in September, emphasizing the need for Kinshasa to assume full control of its destiny and play a leading role in ensuring stability.

He argued that the mission’s troops are incapable of curbing rebel activities, resolving armed conflicts, or protecting civilians effectively. On Tuesday, the UNSC unanimously passed a resolution calling for the “gradual, responsible, and sustainable” withdrawal of the mission from the DRC by December 20 of the following year. “The drawdown process will commence by the end of 2023, coinciding with the election cycle.

The Force will be withdrawn from South Kivu by the end of April 2024, and the implementation of the mandate will be limited to specific provinces starting from May 2024,” stated the UN.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, polling stations opened on Wednesday for the presidential and parliamentary elections. The country’s instability remains a significant concern. President Tshisekedi, who is seeking re-election against 18 other candidates, has accused Rwanda of providing financial support to rebel groups that are responsible for destabilizing Kinshasa.

UN experts have consistently asserted the existence of “solid evidence” that Kigali is arming the M23 militants. This group is one of many armed factions that have been active in Eastern Congo for several decades, despite repeated denials from the Rwandan government.

The M23 group, which emerged in 2012 in the North Kivu province despite the presence of MONUSCO, has compelled over 800,000 individuals to flee their homes, as reported by the UN.