Fatshimetrie, a captivating study recently conducted by the NGO Benevolencija Grands Lacs, reveals a complex picture of the perceptions of the populations of the South Kivu province following the withdrawal of MONUSCO. Josaphat Musamba, monitoring and evaluation coordinator within this organization, shares the results of this survey which highlight the different nuances of residents’ perceptions.
In areas where the withdrawal of MONUSCO has been effective, reactions vary depending on the quality of interactions between the UN mission, the peacekeepers and the local populations. Likewise, some opinions are influenced by professional relationships between UN staff and state agents. This demonstrates the diversity of experiences lived by residents and the complexity of the issues linked to the withdrawal of this international peacekeeping mission.
The Benevolencija Grands Lacs study highlights that some communities express nostalgia for the services provided by MONUSCO, while others believe that the international mission has not sufficiently contributed to their well-being. These contrasting opinions reflect the diversity of situations and perspectives among the population of South Kivu.
However, one of the major findings of this study is the security vacuum left by the departure of MONUSCO. This situation raises legitimate concerns about the capacity of the Congolese state and local structures to ensure the security of the region’s inhabitants. It is in this context that Benevolencija Grands Lacs recommends that the competent authorities take the necessary measures to fill this void and guarantee the protection of populations.
Ultimately, the Fatshimetrie study offers valuable insight into the perceptions and expectations of the inhabitants of South Kivu regarding the withdrawal of MONUSCO. It underlines the importance of taking into account the diversity of opinions and experiences to put in place adapted and sustainable solutions in terms of security and protection of local populations.