President Félix Tshisekedi and the head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, recently met in Kinshasa to discuss various topical issues. One of the points discussed during their meeting was the security situation in the east of the country, in particular the dynamics linked to the rebel group M23. The regions of North Kivu and Ituri were also mentioned.
Another major issue discussed during this meeting was the partnership between the DRC and MONUSCO. The two sides discussed the deployment of the East African Community (EAC) Regional Force and the future mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Interestingly, defense ministers from seven EAC member countries also met recently in Nairobi to discuss the continuation of the EAC regional force in the DRC beyond its initial mandate. This decision was taken with the aim of consolidating the progress made on the ground.
Concluding their meeting, Bintou Keita spoke about organizing a dignified departure for MONUSCO, which could indicate a possible withdrawal plan for the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC.
These discussions between President Tshisekedi and Bintou Keita underscore the continued importance of security collaboration in the DRC. The situation in the east of the country remains worrying and requires special attention.
It will be interesting to follow future developments related to the cooperation between the DRC and MONUSCO, as well as the evolution of the security situation in eastern DRC. Actions taken by member countries of the EAC and SADC will also have an impact on the stability of the region