New York: The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend the mandate of the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year, postponing its planned withdrawal from conflict-stricken eastern provinces.
Although the Congolese government had previously advocated for MONUSCO’s departure, a recent note from Congo’s mission to the U.N. in New York revealed a shift in stance. Titled “Vision for MONUSCO Withdrawal and the Renewal of Its Mandate,” the note emphasized the importance of the peacekeeping force’s continued presence. “My government is in favor of a robust posture of the MONUSCO Force,” the note stated.
Mandate Renewal and Deployment
The extension ensures that nearly 11,000 peacekeepers will remain in the DRC until at least December 2025. MONUSCO continues to play a critical role in maintaining security in eastern Congo, an area rich in minerals but plagued by violent conflicts among rebel groups vying for control of resources and territory.
Despite MONUSCO’s withdrawal from South Kivu province earlier, its planned departure from North Kivu and Ituri was paused in July. Congolese officials cited worsening security conditions and the alleged presence of Rwandan troops supporting the M23 rebel insurgency. Rwanda has consistently denied backing M23.
U.N. Resolution and Condemnation
The Security Council’s resolution strongly condemned external support for M23 and other armed groups in the DRC, calling for the cessation of such support and the immediate withdrawal of unauthorized foreign forces.
Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Robert Wood, expressed frustration with the council’s reluctance to explicitly criticize Rwanda. “If we don’t call them out for the activities that they’re engaging in, this is just going to give them carte blanche to continue to do what they’re doing,” Wood stated, adding that Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 is “unacceptable”.
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Mounting Criticism and Uncertain Future
MONUSCO’s presence in the DRC has faced growing criticism. In 2023, President Felix Tshisekedi called for an accelerated withdrawal of the mission, accusing it of failing to maintain peace. Local dissatisfaction with the mission has fueled deadly protests, particularly in eastern regions where civilians feel inadequately protected from militia violence.
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However, the Congolese note to the U.N. Security Council emphasized the need for an orderly withdrawal. It proposed gradually concentrating MONUSCO’s resources in the most volatile areas, allowing for a phased and strategic exit plan.
The decision to extend MONUSCO’s mandate underscores the complexities of addressing the security crisis in the DRC while balancing local concerns and international efforts for stability.
