KEY POINTS
- The U.N. extends MONUSCO’s mandate to December 2025, ensuring its role in countering rebel groups in eastern Congo.
- Congo reverses stance, supporting a robust MONUSCO presence to tackle escalating violence in North Kivu and Ituri.
- Allegations of Rwandan backing for M23 rebels spark tensions, as the U.N. calls for halting external rebel support.
United Nations Security Council has voted to extend the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year, deferring a planned withdrawal from the conflict-ridden eastern provinces.
The decision highlights the persistent instability in the mineral-rich region, where armed groups, including the M23 insurgents, continue to battle for control.
Support for continued presence as Congo reverses stance
Initially signaling a desire for the mission’s exit, the Congolese government has shifted its position in light of escalating security concerns.Â
A note from Congo’s U.N. mission, seen by Reuters, emphasized the government’s preference for a “robust posture” by the U.N. peacekeepers, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the volatile eastern region. This policy change reflects Kinshasa’s growing recognition of MONUSCO’s crucial role in maintaining stability.
The extension ensures that MONUSCO, which currently deploys nearly 11,000 peacekeepers, will maintain its presence in the DRC until at least December 2025. These forces are pivotal in countering the influence of numerous rebel groups that continue to destabilize the region, driven by competition for territory and resources.
Dispute over external support for rebels intensifies
Despite MONUSCO scaling back its operations earlier this year, including pulling out of South Kivu, plans to exit North Kivu and Ituri were postponed in July due to worsening security. Tensions have been further stoked by allegations that Rwandan troops are providing support to the M23 rebels—a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied.
A U.N. resolution accompanying the mandate renewal condemned external backing for M23 and other armed groups, calling for a halt to such activities and the withdrawal of any foreign forces.
However, diplomatic discord surfaced over the failure to explicitly name Rwanda. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood criticized the council’s reluctance to confront Rwanda directly, warning that without a firm stance, such actions could continue unchecked.
Gradual drawdown amid local unrest
MONUSCO, which employs approximately 10,960 peacekeepers and 1,750 civilian staff, has faced growing criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness in protecting civilians. Protests in eastern Congo have turned violent, with many residents expressing discontent over the U.N. presence. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has called for an expedited withdrawal, reflecting frustrations over the mission’s failure to curb violence.
Nonetheless, Congo’s U.N. mission has outlined a plan for a phased withdrawal, proposing that MONUSCO gradually refocus its presence on the most volatile areas. This approach signals a more strategic and measured end to one of the U.N.’s longest-running peacekeeping operations, as the situation in the region remains uncertain.
