“MONUSCO in the DRC: A hasty departure arouses opposition”
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to be marked by controversy over the departure of MONUSCO, the United Nations mission in the country. The opposition, represented by the party of opponent Moïse Katumbi, categorically rejects the pressure exerted by the government of Felix Tshisekedi for a hasty departure from the UN mission. The opposition believes that Monusco plays an essential role in the protection of civilian populations against crimes and human rights violations committed by the regime in place.
According to Dieudonné Bolengetenge, secretary general of Ensemble pour la République, it is inconceivable to ask for the departure of Monusco without sufficient guarantees for the safety of civilian populations. The presence of the UN mission remains essential in regions such as Ituri and North Kivu, where insecurity is particularly worrying. Indeed, the new Republican Guard is accused of committing massacres of civilian populations with complete impunity, which reinforces fears about the worsening of the situation in the absence of MONUSCO.
According to Bolengetenge, the government’s request to get rid of Monusco is seen as a desire to hide the atrocities committed behind closed doors. He insists on the fact that without the presence of peacekeepers, there would be no more witnesses to account for human rights violations. He also stresses that the protection of Monusco is essential for the safety of opposition leaders running for the presidential election.
In this context, the opposition demands that Monusco remain present in the DRC until a more legitimate power takes its responsibilities in hand. According to her, after the elections, it will be time to reassess the need for the presence of the UN mission. She is convinced that a legitimate government will be able to assume its responsibilities and guarantee the security of the population.
In conclusion, the question of the departure of MONUSCO continues to arouse strong reactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The opposition categorically rejects this request, emphasizing the importance of the UN mission in protecting civilian populations from human rights violations committed by the regime in place. The situation remains complex and it is essential to find a balance between the need for the presence of MONUSCO and support for the development of a legitimate and responsible government.