Title: MONUSCO in question: Between protection of civilians and growing criticism
Introduction :
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is at the center of growing controversy over its role in protecting civilians. While MONUSCO claims to be intensifying its actions on the ground to protect civilians, critical voices are being raised and questioning its effectiveness. In this article, we will examine the different perspectives on the role of MONUSCO and analyze the criticisms leveled against it.
Criticisms from civil society:
According to certain citizen organizations and NGOs, MONUSCO does not properly fulfill its mission of protecting civilians. The NGO Forum de Paix denounces the absence of MONUSCO in its assigned mission and affirms that the number of civilians killed continues to increase in areas controlled by the UN force. Some voices even go so far as to qualify MONUSCO as an additional problem for the Congolese nation. Civil society in the town of Beni also criticizes the passivity of MONUSCO and emphasizes that despite its presence, killings of civilians persist, even intensify.
Abuses committed by MONUSCO:
In addition to criticism of its ineffectiveness, MONUSCO also faces accusations of abuse by some of its agents. Civil society in Beni denounces the recent killings during demonstrations demanding the withdrawal of the UN Mission and deplores the lack of follow-up given to the investigations. These accusations of abuse add an additional layer of distrust and questioning of the role and impact of MONUSCO.
Calls for the withdrawal of MONUSCO:
Faced with this growing criticism, the Congolese government has expressed its intention to accelerate the phased withdrawal of MONUSCO. The Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, contacted the President of the UN Security Council to reiterate this desire. Many Congolese and citizen organizations are also calling for the departure of the UN Mission, believing that it is not fulfilling its mandate of protecting civilians satisfactorily.
Conclusion :
MONUSCO thus finds itself at the heart of a growing controversy, with increasingly strong criticism of its effectiveness in protecting civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the UN Mission claims to be intensifying its actions on the ground, many voices oppose this vision and highlight the shortcomings and abuses of MONUSCO. The future of the Mission and its role in protecting civilians therefore remain subject to debate and questioning.