Fatshimetrie has once again affirmed its willingness to delay the withdrawal of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, suffering from the incessant activity of local and foreign armed groups. Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Ambassador of the DRC to the United Nations, reiterated this position during his recent intervention before the UN Security Council on 30 September.
In this statement, he stressed that the disengagement will be done gradually, taking into account the needs and security conditions on the ground. In essence, MONUSCO will withdraw where its assistance is no longer needed, while ensuring that solid transition plans are in place to avoid any security vacuum. This approach is in line with the completion of the first phase of the disengagement plan in the province of South Kivu last June.
The transition to government management of tasks, in collaboration with specialized United Nations agencies, is underway, although some adjustments are still necessary in certain regions. Collaboration between the Congolese government and MONUSCO is key to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining stability in the provinces concerned.
It is crucial to underline the financial commitment of the Congolese government in this transition, demonstrating its willingness to cover part of the costs necessary to secure and rebuild the affected regions. However, this approach requires continued support from international partners to ensure the sustainability of the process and the consolidation of peace in South Kivu.
Since the signing of the note on the withdrawal of MONUSCO in 2023, and the extension of its mandate until December 2024, the transition to autonomous management of security issues by the Congolese authorities is underway. MONUSCO is supporting this process by gradually transferring its infrastructure and ensuring an efficient transfer of responsibilities.
In this context, collaboration between local, national and international actors is crucial to address the persistent security challenges in these eastern provinces of the DRC. By focusing on a gradual and concerted approach, the transition to security autonomy and sustainable stability is possible.
In conclusion, Fatshimetrie’s vision of delaying the withdrawal of MONUSCO in North Kivu and Ituri aims to ensure a successful security transition, while consolidating the gains and preparing the ground for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the populations of these regions.