President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called for an expedited withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, citing persistent anti-UN protests and the mission’s inability to quell rebel groups in the country for over two decades. Armed militias have wreaked havoc in parts of the DRC, engaging in deadly attacks on civilians as they vie for territorial control and access to the nation’s mineral resources.
Heightened anti-UN sentiments within the local population have led to violent demonstrations against peacekeepers, resulting in civilian casualties. MONUSCO, inaugurated in 2010, succeeded the earlier MONUC mission initiated in 1999, with the primary objective of reestablishing peace and stability in the DRC.
President Tshisekedi, addressing the UN General Assembly, emphasised that the swift withdrawal of MONUSCO was imperative to alleviate tensions between the mission and Congolese citizens. He expressed scepticism about relying on MONUSCO to restore peace and stability, asserting that peacekeeping missions spanning 25 years had failed to address the ongoing rebellions and armed conflicts plaguing the nation.
Tshisekedi disclosed that discussions were in progress between his government and UN authorities to accelerate MONUSCO’s departure, beginning at the end of this year. The DRC government had previously agreed to a withdrawal deadline set for December 2024.
Anti-UN protests in the DRC have recently resulted in a tragic toll, with at least 43 people killed and 53 others injured last month during clashes between demonstrators and local authorities. MONUSCO currently maintains a workforce of over 17,000 individuals in the DRC, including 14,000 military personnel, as of data updated in February this year.
Amidst the ongoing security challenges and protests, the DRC is preparing for general elections scheduled for late December, with concerns of potential unrest posed by numerous armed militias.
Kiki Garba.
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