GENEVA: The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (MONUSCO) has officially signed an agreement outlining the phased withdrawal of its troops from the country from December.
The momentous accord was formalized through the signatures of Bintou Keita, the head of MONUSCO, and the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christophe Lutundula.
While the statement did not delve into the specifics of the withdrawal process, it highlighted that the transition would occur in three stages. Notably, the vacuum created by the departure of MONUSCO forces will be filled by the capable armed forces of the DRC.
This historic move comes after DRC President Felix Tshisekedi’s call for the initiation of peacekeeping force withdrawal, scheduled to commence in December. The DRC has grappled with conflicts and armed group attacks for over two decades, particularly in the eastern regions bordering Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, where control over valuable resources like gold and cobalt is a source of contention.
Public demonstrations advocating for the withdrawal of MONUSCO, one of the world’s largest UN missions with around 16,000 personnel, have been a recurring theme. President Tshisekedi’s call aligns with the sentiments expressed by the citizens.
In response to the complex security landscape, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have recently deployed additional peacekeeping forces to the DRC. This collaborative effort reflects a regional commitment to addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the country.
As the UN peacekeeping mission embarks on this historic withdrawal, attention will be closely focused on the three-stage process and the subsequent role assumed by the DRC forces. The agreement marks a significant step toward the country’s autonomy in managing its internal security dynamics, paving the way for a new chapter in the DR Congo’s journey toward stability and self-reliance.
