MONUSCO, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently announced the upcoming closure of its Lubero branch, in the province of North Kivu. Initially scheduled for December 31, 2024, this decision was accelerated following a request from the Congolese government, confirmed by the President of the Republic during his speech to the UN. Thus, MONUSCO’s presence in Lubero will end on December 31, 2023.
This announcement was made by the interim head of office of MONUSCO/Beni, Abdourahamane Ganda, during a visit to Lubero in the company of a delegation from the Mission responsible for evaluating the mechanisms necessary to support this accelerated withdrawal process. .
MONUSCO sent official correspondence to the provincial government of North Kivu to formalize this withdrawal and obtain its approval. The administrator of the Lubero territory, Colonel Alain Kiwewa, reacted to this decision by declaring that any separation is painful, but that he accepts this decision and will maintain collaboration with MONUSCO until the total closure of its offices.
This closure of the Lubero branch is part of a broader process of withdrawal of MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This peacekeeping mission, which began in 1999, aims to support stabilization and peacebuilding efforts in the country. MONUSCO has played a vital role in protecting civilians, supporting military operations and promoting democracy and human rights. However, the Congolese government believes that the time has come to take greater control of the security and stability of the country.
The closure of the Lubero branch therefore marks an important step in this process of withdrawal from MONUSCO, which underlines the desire of the Congolese government to take charge of the security and governance of the country. This decision certainly raises questions about the capacity of local authorities to fully assume these responsibilities, but it also opens new opportunities for the development and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is crucial to closely monitor developments in this situation and support the Congolese government in its efforts to ensure the security and prosperity of its country. The closure of the Lubero branch does not mark the end of international engagement with the Democratic Republic of Congo, but rather a transition towards closer and balanced collaboration, in which the Congolese authorities play a central role in building a peaceful and prosperous future.
It now remains to be seen how the Congolese authorities will seize this opportunity to strengthen governance, promote human rights, fight insecurity and promote the socio-economic development of the country.. The closure of the Lubero branch is both a challenge and an opportunity, and how it is addressed will largely determine the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.