UN Troops to Begin Withdrawal from Eastern DR Congo as Part of Planned Mission Exit
Approximately 2,000 United Nations troops are set to leave the restive eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of April, marking the initial phase of the planned withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission from the country. The decision to conclude the mission was approved by the U.N. Security Council in December, responding to a request by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in September to expedite the withdrawal of peacekeepers from the region.
The U.N. mission, known as MONUSCO, has been in place since 2010, succeeding an earlier U.N. operation. Its primary objective was to address insecurity in the eastern part of the Central African country, where armed groups have long been engaged in conflicts over territory and resources. However, the mission has faced criticism in recent years for perceived failures in protecting civilians from militia groups, leading to deadly protests and an erosion of its popularity.
The peacekeeping force, currently comprising 13,500 troops, will undergo a phased withdrawal, reducing its strength to 11,500 by April 30th. The first withdrawal phase will commence in South Kivu province, with 14 U.N. bases to be handed over to Congolese security forces. Subsequent phases will see withdrawals from the North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Bintou Keita, the head of the U.N. mission, shared details during a joint press conference with government officials, emphasizing the Security Council's authorization for a troop ceiling of 13,500. Congolese Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula acknowledged that the withdrawal did not signify the end of the country's efforts to protect its territorial interests, stressing the ongoing struggle.
The eastern provinces of DR Congo have witnessed ongoing conflicts, resulting in the displacement of more than 7 million people. The departure of U.N. forces raises concerns about the potential impact on civilian populations and the need for continued efforts to address the complex humanitarian challenges in the region.
As the U.N. peacekeeping mission initiates its withdrawal from eastern DR Congo, the move marks a significant development in the country's ongoing efforts to address internal conflicts. The phased withdrawal aims to transition responsibilities to Congolese security forces, but concerns linger about the potential implications for civilian populations in areas affected by protracted unrest. The international community will closely monitor the situation as DR Congo navigates this critical phase of its peacekeeping mission exit.
