By Chris Muhizi for MCN.
In an address submitted to the UN Security Council, Guterres says that the Stabilization Mission, also known as Monusco in French, which has been deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will depart the entire country, bringing an end to a divisive chapter but possibly creating a vacuum that could exacerbate the violence there.
The intervention brigade of Monusco successfully argued for a one-year extension of its mandate in December of last year. However, the operation, which involves more than 15,000 soldiers and police, has sparked unrest in some areas of the Eastern Congo.
Antonio Guterres, the secretary general of the international organization, announced that United Nations peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will start leaving the nation in a “accelerated withdrawal,” officially marking the end of one of the missions that initially began twenty-five years ago.
According to Guterres, Monusco is now in “its final phase” in the DR Congo. The Mission will have to start “an accelerated withdrawal,” despite the security and humanitarian situation “sharply deteriorating,” according to a plan outlined in his report. According to the same report, the UN Secretary-General, “a premature departure of Monusco could have consequences for the protection of civilians.”
Initially deployed 25 years ago, Monusco’s mission has changed over time. The competition will determine whether it succeeds. The UN and the Congolese government decided that the Mission would completely disband at the end of 2024. By resolution of the UN Security Council in 2020, this phased and gradual withdrawal of Monusco by 2024 was established. The decision to extend the mandate will not be subject to debate following Guterres’ announcement.