The official closure of the MONUSCO office in Bukavu, in the province of South Kivu, is a significant event which demonstrates the gradual disengagement of the UN mission in this region. This decision, taken in consultation with the Congolese government and ratified by the UN Security Council last December, marks the end of an era of more than 20 years of presence of peacekeepers in the region.
The closing ceremony, which was held this Tuesday, June 25 at Kavumu airport, was marked by the presence of Ms. Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission, and a delegation of Congolese authorities. This symbolic moment marks the transition to a new phase where responsibility for the protection of civilians now falls to the Congolese authorities.
The withdrawal of MONUSCO from South Kivu also has social consequences, particularly on employment. In fact, around 5,000 people now find themselves out of work following this decision. National and international agents who worked for years in the peacekeeping mission in the DRC came together to mark this separation, leaving behind years of commitment and dedication.
Floribert Bayongwa, MONUSCO national staff representative in South Kivu, highlighted the impact of this departure on many people. It is obvious that the closure of the MONUSCO office leaves a void in the lives of these dedicated employees who contributed, in their own way, to the stabilization of the region.
Beyond the symbolism of this closing ceremony, it is important to highlight the work accomplished by MONUSCO over these two decades. Despite the challenges and difficulties encountered, the UN mission played an essential role in protecting civilians and maintaining peace in a region often marked by instability and conflict.
As MONUSCO turns a page in its history in South Kivu, it is essential to recognize the crucial role of peacekeepers and salute their contribution to building a more peaceful future for the DRC. The departure of the UN mission leaves room for new challenges and opportunities for the Congolese authorities, who will now have to fully assume responsibility for the security and protection of populations in the region.