DRC President Tshisekedi Calls For Accelerated UN Peacekeeping Mission Withdrawal From The DRC.
By Caroline Ameh
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formally requested the accelerated withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, (MONUSCO) in a speech delivered to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.
President Tshisekedi’s appeal comes amid a backdrop of mounting anti-UN protests within the DRC, driven by grievances regarding the mission’s perceived failure to rein in rebel groups, even more than two decades after its initial deployment in the country.
President Tshisekedi emphasized that the swift withdrawal of MONUSCO was essential to quell tensions between the Congolese population and the peacekeeping mission. He stated, “The acceleration of the withdrawal of MONUSCO becomes an imperative necessity to ease tensions between the latter and our fellow citizens.” The president also expressed his belief that “peacekeeping missions deployed for 25 years have failed to tackle the rebellions and armed conflicts which are tearing the Republic apart.”
Additionally, President Tshisekedi characterized the continued reliance on MONUSCO as “illusory and counterproductive” in the pursuit of restoring peace and stability to the DRC.
The Congolese leader revealed that negotiations were already underway between his government and UN authorities to expedite MONUSCO’s departure, with the process set to commence at the end of this year.
Previously, the DRC government had agreed upon a withdrawal deadline scheduled for December 2024. However, recent anti-UN protests have escalated, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. Last month alone, at least 43 people were killed, and 53 more were injured during these demonstrations as clashes with local authorities erupted.
MONUSCO, which currently comprises over 17,000 personnel in the DRC, including 14,000 military personnel, has faced increasing hostility from locals who demand their departure. The DRC, slated to hold general elections in late December, is confronted by threats of unrest posed by numerous armed militias.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reports the presence of more than 100 armed groups contributing to conflicts in the Central African nation. Certain regions of the DRC have witnessed a near takeover by armed militias engaged in deadly attacks against civilians, driven by territorial disputes and a desire for control over the country’s rich mineral resources.
The call for MONUSCO’s exit from the Congo has resonated with many local residents, leading to bloody confrontations during protests, sometimes resulting in civilian casualties.
To provide context, in 2010, MONUSCO replaced a previous UN peacekeeping operation known as MONUC, which was established in 1999 to facilitate peace and stability in the DRC.
The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the DRC as discussions on the accelerated withdrawal of MONUSCO continue.
