News in the DRC: request for accelerated withdrawal from Monusco
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently sent a formal request to the United Nations Security Council to speed up the process of withdrawing the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (Monusco). For the Congolese government, Monusco has lost the trust of the population and its credibility is in question.
This request comes in a delicate context, just four months before the national elections. The Congolese authorities believe that Monusco no longer offers an adequate institutional solution to the security crisis raging in the east of the country. They therefore call for a gradual reduction in the number of blue helmets starting this year.
However, this request has been criticized by the Congolese opposition, which accuses President Félix Tshisekedi of exploiting anti-Monusco sentiment for electoral purposes. The opposition does not dare to openly ask for the departure of UN soldiers either, fearing the potentially hostile reactions of part of the population.
For its part, Monusco expresses its astonishment at this request for accelerated withdrawal. In his latest report, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, warned against a premature withdrawal of the mission, which could have serious consequences for the safety of civilians dependent on Monusco.
It is important to emphasize that more than 100,000 displaced people in the Djugu region currently benefit from the protection of MONUSCO. The mission’s operational bases and combat units help maintain relative stability in this area.
This request for an accelerated withdrawal of Monusco highlights the tensions between the Congolese government, the opposition and the international community. As the elections draw closer, it is crucial to strike a balance between the security aspirations of the Congolese people and the concerns of the international community for the stability of the country.
It remains to be seen what position the UN Security Council will take on this request. In the meantime, the situation in the DRC continues to evolve and spark debates about the presence of Monusco and its role in the stability of the country.