At the end of 2023, MONUSCO began withdrawal from the DRC, tied to ongoing security challenges from groups like M23 and ADF. Regional missions like EACRF and SAMIDRC aim to stabilize the area, but local perceptions and operational effectiveness are mixed. Ongoing cease-fire agreements are critical, with the FARDC’s future capability to ensure security remaining uncertain due to past weaknesses and corruption.
At the end of 2023, the UN Security Council authorized the withdrawal of the longstanding United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), on the request of the Congolese government, to be completed by the end of 2024. As of now, MONUSCO has only withdrawn from South Kivu, with no clear timeline for the remaining provinces. Currently, MONUSCO operates alongside Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops, Congolese armed forces, and local militia groups in eastern DRC.
The security situation in eastern DRC remains critical, with violence pervasive across the region. In North Kivu, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group, are being contained through collaborative operations between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Armed Forces of the DRC. Conversely, the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) has displaced over two million individuals, with alarming reports of ethnic cleansing emerging. Local militia groups, such as the Wazalendo, purportedly created to assist FARDC, exhibit ambivalence, with suspicions of connections to opposing forces.
Recent years have seen various international and regional interventions aimed at stabilizing eastern DRC. Although MONUSCO has operated since 1999, its withdrawal has sparked mixed reactions locally, with some appreciating its departure while expressing concern over the cessation of essential services it provided. Historical issues, including protests against MONUSCO from 2018 to 2020, have raised questions regarding the mission’s efficacy.
The deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) reflected regional distrust, particularly given Rwanda and Uganda’s contentious history with the DRC. Initial opposition to the EACRF persists, complicating the peace process in eastern DRC, particularly following associated operational faltering.
In contrast, the SADC mission (SAMIDRC) benefits from historical goodwill, largely due to the effective performance of earlier SADC interventions. Nevertheless, SAMIDRC struggles to engage meaningfully with M23 and Rwanda Defense Force, risking characterizing their presence as ineffective.
Finally, the ongoing cease-fire negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by Angola, exhibit mixed progress with technical disagreements impeding resolution efforts. While recent cease-fire agreements are in place, sustained international support alongside domestic military reform is vital for the FARDC to develop into a self-sustaining security force capable of maintaining stability without international assistance.
The institutions currently operating in the eastern DRC, including MONUSCO and regional forces, are not intended for permanence. Therefore, the long-term responsibility of ensuring security must eventually fall to the Congolese forces, with significant reforms needed within the FARDC to confront the challenges posed by an evolving security landscape.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has witnessed decades of conflict and violence, necessitating various international and regional interventions to restore peace and security in the eastern provinces. The United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) has been one of the longest-standing responses to this instability but has faced criticism regarding its effectiveness. Recently, the Congolese government has expressed a desire for MONUSCO’s withdrawal, aligning with broader aspirations for sovereignty and local governance, amidst a backdrop of evolving local alliances and multifaceted military engagements with various rebel groups. Understanding the dynamics of these interventions, as well as the local perception of security forces, is critical in assessing the future of stability in eastern DRC.
In summary, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains a region fraught with security challenges, exacerbated by the complexity of international and regional interventions. While the withdrawal of MONUSCO symbolizes a significant shift, the effectiveness of the transitional forces such as SAMIDRC remains under scrutiny. Regional dynamics, notably the influence of Rwanda and the activities of local militia, further complicate the security landscape. The capacity of the FARDC to independently maintain security will be pivotal in determining the long-term stability of the region, necessitating continued reforms and empowerment within local military structures.
Original Source: theglobalobservatory.org
