UN’s MONUSCO Peacekeeping Mission to Conclude in Congo by end of 2024

The UN announces the phased withdrawal of MONUSCO’s two-decade fight against rebels from the DRC in response to the government’s request, signaling a shift in peacekeeping operations while raising concerns over civilian protection amidst ongoing conflict and displacement crises. The withdrawal from the country is set to complete by the end of 2024. (Image: UN Photo)

UN Special Representative Bintou Keita clarified that the disengagement of MONUSCO does not signify the withdrawal of the United Nations as a whole. She emphasized that the UN will maintain its presence both before, during, and after the peacekeeping mission’s existence, speaking at a media briefing.

This announcement follows the Congolese government’s call, freshly re-elected in a contested vote, for the UN mission to exit the country, citing its failure to safeguard civilians from armed factions.

Various armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23, remain active in volatile eastern regions like North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, where civilians endure violence and displacement.

The withdrawal will occur in three phases. Initially, approximately 2,000 UN troops will depart South Kivu by April’s end, reducing the current 13,500-strong MONUSCO force to 11,500, as per Keita’s statement. Congolese security forces will assume control of fourteen UN bases in the province.

Subsequently, troops in North Kivu and Ituri will also withdraw.

Minister Lutundula emphasized, “The withdrawal of MONUSCO does not necessarily mean the end of the fight we are undertaking to protect the territorial interests of our country, we must continue to struggle.”

MONUSCO succeeded an earlier UN operation in 2010 to mitigate insecurity in the Central African country’s east, where armed groups vie for territory and resources. However, its presence has grown increasingly unpopular in recent years.

In December, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to gradually phase out its peacekeeping operations.

Additionally, the Congolese government has instructed an East African regional force, deployed last year to aid in ending the conflict, to depart the country for similar reasons as the UN peacekeeping mission.

The conflicts in the DRC have resulted in the displacement of over seven million people, primarily in the three eastern provinces where numerous armed groups continue to operate.