The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plans to withdraw the UN Mission in the DRC (Monusco) in 6 months and has had constructive discussions with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Deputy Secretary of the United Nations Organization (UN) in charge of peacekeeping, on this. The Congolese authorities have stressed the need to achieve the objectives of the activities of the armed groups as well as to allow the rise of the state in the region.
The government committed on November 15, 2022 to a withdrawal plan after the unfortunate events that the country experienced a few months ago. The two parties had agreed to work on the withdrawal plan with Monusco, including to shorten the deadline. This historic step for the country is a crucial announcement for the maintenance of peace in the country.
Monusco has been present in the DRC for more than two decades and its withdrawal will accelerate the country’s transition. The latter wishes to strengthen the capacity of the state and maintain stability in the region. The ongoing dialogue between the Congolese authorities and the UN must lead to a well-coordinated withdrawal.
However, maintaining peace in the eastern provinces remains a major issue of the transition. The region has seen repeated clashes between the regular army and armed groups. The recent threat of the M23 rebellion reinforces this concern.
The DRC has faced several challenges in recent years, including war crimes, child labor, and dangerous communal conflict. However, the country remains dynamic with the launch of a new political movement, Environmental Week in Butembo, and a fine cultural performance by Kipfumu Bwenge Muisha who performed for peace and social cohesion.
In short, the withdrawal of Monusco is a historic step for the DRC which constitutes an important step to strengthen the capacity of the State and maintain stability in the region. However, Congolese authorities must continue to work on security challenges to ensure an effective transition.