Title: The withdrawal of MONUSCO in the DRC: towards a transition towards peace?
Introduction :
The UN Security Council recently encouraged the Congolese government and the UN to put in place a complete disengagement plan by November 2023. This request follows the Congolese government’s desire to see the Mission of UN will withdraw more quickly from the end of this year. In this article, we will explore the issues linked to this withdrawal, the measures to consider and the prospects for peace in the DRC.
1. The complete disengagement plan:
The UN Security Council has expressed its desire to decide, by the end of 2023, on the future of MONUSCO and the concrete measures to be taken for its progressive, responsible and sustainable withdrawal. This involves defining an operational plan for implementing the withdrawal, coordinating responsibilities with the Congolese government and gradually reducing the mission’s workforce.
2. The dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali:
The Security Council also called for calm and an intensification of dialogue between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to promote lasting peace in the region. This request highlights the importance of resolving the current crisis through political means and encourages coordination between ongoing political and military initiatives in the DRC.
3. The role of armed groups:
The Security Council demands the cessation of any advances by the M23, a group targeted by UN sanctions, and calls for the immediate and full implementation of commitments in favor of the group’s withdrawal from occupied areas and its cantonment. It is essential that Congolese armed groups actively participate in the return of peace and abandon their weapons in favor of a peaceful solution.
4. Elections and women’s participation:
In the context of the elections scheduled for December 2023, the Security Council calls on the Congolese authorities to guarantee peaceful, transparent and credible processes throughout the country, with the support of MONUSCO. It also emphasizes the importance of the full participation of women at all stages of the electoral process, as candidates and voters, in order to guarantee balanced and truly democratic representation.
Conclusion :
The withdrawal of MONUSCO in the DRC represents a crucial turning point in the quest for peace and stability in the country. The comprehensive disengagement plan, dialogue between the actors concerned, the fight against armed groups and the promotion of peaceful elections are all essential measures to promote a transition towards lasting peace in the DRC. There is still much to do, but there is more and more hope for a better future.
Note for referencing: UN Security Council, MONUSCO disengagement, gradual withdrawal, dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali, Congolese armed groups, elections in the DRC, women’s participation, lasting peace.