The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), MONUSCO, for another year, ensuring the continued presence of nearly 11,000 peacekeepers in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces until at least December 2025.
This decision comes amidst mounting pressure from the Congolese government for MONUSCO’s withdrawal, a stance previously echoed by widespread protests in the DRC against the mission’s perceived inefficacy. However, a note from Kinshasa to the Security Council, obtained by Reuters, shows that the Congolese government requested the renewal, citing unresolved security concerns in the region.
Eastern Congo remains a hotbed of violence, with armed groups perpetuating attacks on civilians, stoking humanitarian crises, and destabilizing the area. The Security Council’s resolution highlights the critical role MONUSCO plays in stabilizing the region and protecting vulnerable populations, despite growing dissatisfaction with its performance.
“The decision to extend MONUSCO underscores the complex security challenges in the DRC,” said a diplomat close to the negotiations. “While there is frustration with the mission’s limitations, its withdrawal could leave a vacuum with catastrophic consequences.”
The renewal signifies a diplomatic balancing act as the Congolese government acknowledges MONUSCO’s necessity while navigating domestic pressure to assert sovereignty and reduce reliance on external forces.
As the extended mandate takes effect, attention now turns to how MONUSCO can bolster its operations and address criticisms to meet the expectations of both local populations and the international community. The decision serves as a stark reminder of the enduring instability in the DRC and the challenges of achieving sustainable peace in the region.
