UN Security Council member states have recently witnessed a significant request from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the accelerated withdrawal of peacekeepers from the United Nations Organization Mission for stabilization in the DRC (MONUSCO). This request was expressed by President Félix Tshisekedi during his speech to the UN General Assembly.
Although this request was taken into account by the Security Council, some members expressed concern about the consequences that a hasty withdrawal of MONUSCO could have on the civilian population. Indeed, the Security Council recognizes that removing peacekeepers too quickly can lead to a return of violence and endanger the security of civilians.
Despite these concerns, the Security Council took note of Félix Tshisekedi’s request and his wish to see the Blue Helmets withdraw by the end of the year, rather than at the end of next year as initially planned. France supported this request, pleading for close cooperation between the UN and Kinshasa to ensure an orderly withdrawal of peacekeeping forces. The United States, for its part, was more reserved, while Great Britain suggested a gradual reduction in the number of MONUSCO soldiers without rushing the final departure.
Despite the position of the DRC and certain members of the Security Council in favor of an accelerated withdrawal, the head of Congolese diplomacy criticized the frozen attitude of the Council and recommended against a reconfiguration of MONUSCO.
This request for an accelerated withdrawal of peacekeepers in the DRC demonstrates the complex issues facing the UN peacekeeping mission. It also raises questions about how best to ensure security and stability in a country marked by years of armed conflict and political instability.
It is essential that the Security Council, the UN and the Congolese authorities work together to find the best way to meet the needs and aspirations of the Congolese people while ensuring the protection of civilians and avoiding a deterioration of the security situation.
With this in mind, an orderly and gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO peacekeepers could be the best approach, allowing the DRC to strengthen its own security capabilities while benefiting from continued support from the international community.
However, it is crucial not to lose sight of the importance of maintaining rigorous monitoring and surveillance of the situation in the DRC, in order to ensure that the withdrawal of peacekeepers is carried out responsibly and taking fully into account the needs protection of civilians.