The United States and the international community concerned by the departure of MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The withdrawal of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is causing debate within the international community. The United States, like other countries, highlights the potential risks of such a decision and calls for caution so as not to exacerbate an already serious humanitarian crisis.
During a session of the UN Security Council dedicated to the situation in the DRC, the representative of the United States expressed his opinion on the subject. He suggests entering into a dialogue with the Congolese authorities to strengthen the effectiveness of MONUSCO. However, he recalls that the UN mission cannot resolve the problem of insecurity in the east of the country alone.
This position is also shared by Brazil, which fears the consequences of a hasty departure from MONUSCO. Depending on the country, this could lead to security vacuums and power struggles, resulting in violence and human rights abuses.
Other countries, such as Switzerland, highlight the crucial role of MONUSCO in the protection of civilian populations and the fight against armed groups. According to Switzerland, a hasty departure of the Blue Helmets would have harmful consequences for the thousands of internally displaced people. The presence of MONUSCO currently constitutes the only bulwark, however weak, against the violence and abuses of these armed groups.
On the other hand, China and Russia call for the Congolese authorities to take into account the request for withdrawal of MONUSCO, while acting gradually and responsibly, taking into account the situation on the ground.
France, for its part, wants the Security Council to take fully into account the concrete and realistic requests of the Congolese authorities concerning the accelerated withdrawal of MONUSCO.
The President of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, called during his speech to the UN General Assembly for the accelerated withdrawal of MONUSCO from his country. He believes that after more than 20 years of presence of the UN mission, it is time for the DRC to become the actor of its own stability.
The DRC’s position was reiterated by the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, who however clarified that this must be done gradually and taking into account humanitarian issues.
The question of the withdrawal of MONUSCO in the DRC therefore remains at the heart of debates within the international community. While some countries urge caution, others support the DRC’s request while emphasizing the importance of a gradual transition to avoid a larger humanitarian crisis. The future of the situation in the DRC remains uncertain, and it will be important to find a balance between the need for stability and the protection of civilian populations.