Title: The challenges and opportunities of the closure of the MONUSCO military base in Lubero
Introduction :
The announced closure of the MONUSCO military base in Lubero, in North Kivu province, has sparked mixed reactions among the local population and civil society actors. While some regret the premature end of MONUSCO’s presence, others see this situation as an opportunity to perpetuate achievements and promote local development. In this article, we will discuss the recommendations of the grassroots communities, the achievements of MONUSCO and the challenges that the Lubero region will face.
Recommendations from grassroots communities:
During discussions with the MONUSCO delegation, several recommendations were made by the participants. First of all, the creation of a professional training center to keep young people busy and keep them away from armed groups. Then, strengthening the numbers and operational capacities of the Congolese security forces to ensure the protection of the population. Moving movements should be carried out during the day to avoid rumors and misinformation. It is also essential to raise awareness among the community, especially young people, about the upcoming changes in order to prevent hostile behavior and suspicion towards MONUSCO convoys. Finally, it is essential to strengthen the capacities of the media to combat disinformation and hate speech.
MONUSCO’s achievements:
Despite the regrets expressed by some participants, it is important to highlight the achievements of MONUSCO in the Lubero region. Among these achievements, we can cite the construction of infrastructure of common interest such as public markets, the rehabilitation of roads and the construction of training centers for women. MONUSCO has also played a crucial role in raising awareness on the protection of civilians, human rights and peaceful conflict resolution. These actions have made it possible to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of Lubero and to strengthen collaboration between the population and the authorities.
The challenges to be met:
However, the closure of the MONUSCO military base in Lubero is not without challenges. Some civil society actors point out that this decision comes as state authority has not yet been restored in certain parts of the region and armed groups continue to operate. In addition, it is essential to guarantee the security of local populations in the face of this transition and to avoid a deterioration of the security situation. The development of infrastructure and training programs, as well as the strengthening of the capacities of the Congolese security forces, will be major challenges.
Conclusion :
The closure of the MONUSCO military base in Lubero presents both challenges and opportunities for the North Kivu region. By following the recommendations of grassroots communities and capitalizing on the achievements of MONUSCO, it is possible to sustain the achievements and promote local development. However, the challenges related to security and the transition to a more autonomous presence of Congolese security forces should not be minimized. A comprehensive and coordinated approach will be necessary to ensure the stability and well-being of the residents of Lubero.