The withdrawal of the UN Mission from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) by the end of 2023 is of concern to the United States. The Congolese government was warned by Ambassador Robert Wood during a meeting of the UN Security Council on June 26, 2023. For the American administration, MONUSCO is essential for the security of the Congolese State and of the region. The United States is therefore concerned about the Congolese government’s growing calls to step down after the elections scheduled for December.
Considering that the DRC government would find it difficult to fill a security vacuum created by the hasty withdrawal of MONUSCO, the United States insists on the need to continue supporting the UN mission. The US representative to the UN fears an escalation of violence and the deterioration of the humanitarian crisis that has affected the country for many years.
The United States also expressed concern about the DRC Army Reserve Corps legislation. According to them, this law could allow members of armed groups to join the FARDC, thus creating obstacles to the efforts of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS). They therefore urge the DRC to ensure that this unit is subject to strict control and that it participates in demobilization efforts.
The concern of the United States regarding the security situation in the DRC is shared by many actors in civil society and the international community. The Great Lakes region is facing growing insecurity, generating huge population displacements and the resurgence of infectious diseases. To strengthen security in eastern DRC, effective coordination of efforts is necessary.
In addition, the health situation in the DRC is rapidly deteriorating due to ongoing violence, leading to an upsurge in infectious diseases and massive population displacements. Private initiatives have emerged to try to limit these disastrous consequences, in particular the fight against malaria in the schools of the Tenke Fungurume Mining concession.
Despite the precarious situation, certain sectors of economic activity continue to develop in the DRC, such as the mining sector. Tenke Fungurume Mining was celebrated during the 2023 edition of DRC Mining Week for its outstanding performance in this field.
In short, it is necessary to continue efforts to strengthen security in the DRC and guarantee the stability of the Great Lakes region. Solutions will have to be found to respond to the challenges posed by armed violence and the humanitarian crisis that have affected the country for too long.