The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has decided to pause its withdrawal, with no set timeline for resuming the process after the initial phase in June. This decision was jointly announced by the Congolese government and the UN mission.
Background
In September last year, President Felix Tshisekedi requested the expedited withdrawal of peacekeepers who were deployed to the DRC to address the insecurity caused by armed groups fighting over territory and resources.
The first phase of the peacekeeper withdrawal, which took place in South Kivu province, was completed on June 25. This phase had initially been scheduled for completion by April, according to Congo’s ambassador to the United Nations, Zenon Mukongo Ngay.
Current Situation and Challenges
Ambassador Ngay stated that conditions for the next phase of withdrawal have not yet been met. He attributed the delay to increased clashes in the restive east of Congo, blaming neighboring Rwanda for the escalation of violence. “In view of Rwanda’s continued aggression in North Kivu, the next phase of withdrawal, phase 2, will be undertaken when conditions allow, following ongoing joint assessments,” Ngay remarked in a speech at the UN Security Council.
Ongoing Conflict and Accusations
The Congolese government and the United Nations have consistently accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim that Rwanda denies. Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the withdrawal from North Kivu and Ituri provinces. “There is no timeline for a withdrawal from North Kivu or Ituri provinces,” she stated. “Don’t ask me what’s next. What’s next, as we said, is we pause, we prepare, and we see what comes next based on the reality on the ground.”
Government’s Position
Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Wamba Wagner, highlighted the government’s intent to avoid creating a security vacuum. “When it comes to North Kivu, we will take into account the developments that we see on the ground before making responsible decisions and starting this process when the most favorable conditions are met,” she told reporters in Kinshasa.
Bottom Line
The UN peacekeeping mission’s withdrawal from the DRC has been paused indefinitely, with future actions contingent on the evolving security situation in the country. The Congolese government and the UN are committed to reassessing conditions on the ground to ensure that the next phase of the withdrawal does not exacerbate instability.
