Title: The UN mission in the DRC is nearing its end: a trying record and a necessary withdrawal
Introduction :
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worrying and the UN mission in the country is entering its final phase. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has released an alarming report on the deteriorating humanitarian and political situation in the DRC. After nearly 25 years of continuous presence, the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (Monusco) is preparing for an accelerated and responsible withdrawal. However, this departure raises fears about the protection of civilians who depend on the mission to ensure their safety.
The deterioration of the situation in the DRC:
The Secretary General’s report highlights a sharp deterioration in the situation in the DRC in recent months. Regional tensions have increased, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated considerably and hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forcibly displaced. In addition, the number of acts of sexual violence against children has more than doubled between 2021 and 2022. The provinces of North Kivu and Ituri are particularly affected, with 28% of the population of North Kivu and 39 % of Ituri’s population displaced, i.e. about four million people.
The resurgence of the M23 rebel movement:
The report highlights the resurgence of the M23 rebel movement, which has taken over large swathes of territory in the DRC. The rebels set up parallel administrations and committed arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions. Although the report does not mention the presence of Rwandan troops alongside the M23, as other reports have revealed, it is important to highlight that this situation has led to international condemnations and created tensions in the region.
The challenges of Monusco’s withdrawal:
The accelerated withdrawal of Monusco is a clear desire of the Congolese government, but it also raises concerns about the protection of civilians. The UN mission is criticized for its passivity and many Congolese feel that it has not sufficiently ensured their security. A premature departure could have serious consequences for the civilians who depend on the mission for their protection.
Conclusion :
The situation in the DRC is extremely worrying and the UN mission is coming to an end. The Secretary-General’s report highlights the challenges facing the region, including the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the resurgence of the M23 rebel movement. The withdrawal of Monusco seems inevitable, but it is essential to guarantee the protection of civilians in this transition. It will be important to closely monitor developments in the region and provide adequate support to the DRC to overcome these challenges