In the current context of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the stakes of the presence of MONUSCO, the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC, are crucial for the future of the country. The recent remarks of Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, shed light on the situation and give rise to much thought.
Indeed, the announcement that the withdrawal of MONUSCO could be effective by the end of 2024 was widely reported in the media. However, it now appears that this date has never been formally confirmed by either the Congolese authorities or the UN. Jean-Pierre Lacroix’s statements thus highlight this reality and underline the importance of the ongoing consultations to decide on the future of the UN Mission in the DRC.
The recent withdrawal from South Kivu in June 2024 marked a first step in the process of disengagement of MONUSCO. This decision follows a plan established in collaboration with the Congolese government and paves the way for further discussions on the continuation of peacekeeping operations in the country. The expectations of the Congolese authorities with regard to MONUSCO as well as security, humanitarian and diplomatic developments will be taken into account in defining the next steps.
President Félix Tshisekedi’s position on accelerating the withdrawal of MONUSCO is clear: it is time for the DRC to take charge of its own stability and become the main actor in its destiny. This vision is shared by Christophe Lutundula, who participated in the establishment of a plan for the gradual and orderly withdrawal of MONUSCO in collaboration with the Head of Mission, Bintou Keita.
In conclusion, the issue of the withdrawal of MONUSCO in the DRC represents a major challenge for the future of the country. The ongoing consultations between the Congolese authorities and the UN will be crucial in defining the next steps in the disengagement process. This is a crucial issue that requires a concerted and transparent approach to ensure long-term stability and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo.