The United Nations Security Council has decided to withdraw MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) by 2024. However, as this deadline approaches, the UN is working to ensure that “this transition is made as soon as possible”. A statement made by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, during his visit to the DRC.
Mr. Lacroix stressed that the withdrawal process must be done “responsibly”, and that the various authorities in the DRC are in tune with these priorities. As a reminder, MONUSCO has already closed its offices in certain regions, notably in the regions of Kasai and Tanganyika, and is now focusing on the east of the country where the conflicts are most numerous.
However, this withdrawal of MONUSCO depends on several conditions, in particular the reduction of the security risk, the massive reduction in the impact of the activities of the armed groups, the rise in power of the State, and above all a peaceful electoral process. The Congolese government is already working on this file, in particular by organizing a meeting with MONUSCO to “reassess the plan for its withdrawal”.
Despite this, concerns remain among some media and observers, particularly regarding the various atrocities committed by armed groups in the DRC, and the risk of a new civil war. However, with the cooperation of the various Congolese authorities, the United Nations remains confident that this withdrawal process will be carried out, and thus allow the stability and development of the country.