Fatshimetrie, the withdrawal of South Kivu from MONUSCO: a turning point in the history of the DRC
Fatshimetrie, the innovative publication dedicated to global news, highlights a major event that marked the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): the closure of the MONUSCO office in South Kivu. This historic decision, announced by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Bintou Keita, symbolizes a real turning point in the history of the country.
Over the 22 years of MONUSCO’s presence in the region, impressive figures demonstrate the positive impact of the mission. Nearly 3 million people benefited from direct physical protection, more than 4,600 combatants and children associated with armed groups were demobilized, and thousands of munitions and explosives were collected and destroyed. These actions have contributed to strengthening security and stability in South Kivu.
The withdrawal from South Kivu is part of a gradual disengagement plan, approved by the UN Security Council. Seven bases or installations have been transferred to national authorities or closed, with 15 more in the process of being transferred. This transition towards greater responsibility for the Congolese authorities marks a new stage in the consolidation of the country’s sovereignty.
The reactivation of the integrated provincial transition team demonstrates the continued commitment of the United Nations to supporting the DRC in this period of change. By maintaining a residual presence in South Kivu, the United Nations provides crucial support to maintain community alert networks, child protection and dialogue with communities.
However, the withdrawal of MONUSCO from South Kivu does not mean the end of the United Nations’ involvement in the DRC. Agencies, funds and programs will continue to work for the well-being of the Congolese population, while the Congolese government fully assumes its responsibilities to protect civilians and restore state authority.
Fatshimetrie welcomes this important transition and calls for continued collaboration between the United Nations, the Congolese government and the population to consolidate the progress made and pave the way for a stable and prosperous future for the DRC.
This withdrawal of South Kivu from MONUSCO, although symbolic, opens a new era for the Democratic Republic of Congo, an era where the sovereignty of the country is strengthened and where its future is taking shape with optimism and determination.