News surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to evolve, with the recent announcement by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) of the withdrawal of approximately 2,000 troops from the restive areas of eastern Congo. country by the end of April. This decision is part of MONUSCO’s disengagement plan, aimed at gradually reducing the presence of the UN mission in the region.
During a joint press conference, the Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie, Christophe Lutundula, and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, affirmed their commitment to a responsible and exemplary withdrawal from the mission. According to Bintou Keita, the number of troops authorized by the Security Council will increase from 13,500 to 11,500 by the start of the budget year in July 2024.
This decision is part of Resolution 2717 (2023) adopted by the United Nations Security Council, which provides for a three-phase withdrawal plan. The first phase consists of a total withdrawal from South Kivu province by the end of April, followed by an assessment before continuing the withdrawal from North Kivu and Ituri, where MONUSCO is the main force fighting against armed groups.
However, Congolese Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula expressed reluctance to reveal the number of Congolese soldiers who will replace the UN force in the troubled eastern areas of the country, citing national security reasons.
The withdrawal of MONUSCO troops marks a significant step in the transition towards greater responsibility for Congolese authorities to ensure security in their own country. However, it is essential that Congolese security forces are sufficiently trained and equipped to deal with ongoing challenges and ensure long-term stability.
This gradual withdrawal also raises questions about the impact this could have on the security of local populations, particularly in areas affected by violence and armed groups. The Congolese authorities will have to intensify their efforts to strengthen their capacities to maintain order and fight against insecurity, in order to prevent any resurgence of violence.
In conclusion, the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an important step towards the country’s security autonomy. However, this also poses challenges for the Congolese authorities who will have to take over and guarantee the security of their population. Careful monitoring of the situation is necessary to assess the impact of this withdrawal and ensure that stabilization efforts in the DRC are not compromised.