The United Nations Security Council recently convened to discuss the role of Monusco in the in DRC. However, rather than scrutinizing the mission’s lack of achievements over its nearly three-decade-long presence, the Council looks determined to extend its stay.
Since the resurgence of hostilities in October 2021 in eastern DRC, Monusco has been directly involved in military operations, alongside the DRC government forces, placing itself in a position of belligerence instead of neutrality. The useless mission has, at times, fought alongside the very groups it was deployed to neutralize – the genocidal Rwandan outfit, FDLR being a prime example.
Even UN reports highlight incidents of collaboration between the Congolese army and FDLR. But Monusco has remained passive, and worse, even supportive of FDLR itself! This failure has enabled genocide perpetrators to continue destabilizing entire regions of eastern DRC, severely undermining peace.
Even then the U.S. representative at the UNSC defended Monusco, relying on (bogus) accusations against the M23 rebel group to justify the mission’s continued presence. This is so frustrating, for those desiring real peace.
Monusco has never effectively protected civilians. Numerous militias have emerged during its watch, targeting populations in Mulenge, Masisi, and other regions. Its inability to intervene has only exacerbated the chaos. Instead of ensuring security for the Congolese people.
One can only see that Monusco’s presence in DR Congo is more aligned with safeguarding Western interests, particularly in securing valuable mining sites, far more than any concern for the safety and security of local populations.
How is it possible that, with a budget of US$ 2 billion per year and 17,000 (supposed) peacekeepers present, they’ve not been able to protect one civilian from genocidal attacks by FDLR, massacres by all sorts of cutthroat militias, not mentioning looting, rape, and other crimes against humanity?
Monusco is the joke of the century!
The contrast between Monusco’s inaction and M23’s recent record in protecting civilians is telling.
While Monusco has failed to protect displaced populations, M23 has actively facilitated the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) that spent over two decades as refugees outside their homelands, back to their villages.
That’s what an effective force is, right there.
If the UNSC genuinely seeks peace in the DRC, it must reassess Monusco’s role and effectiveness, or gross lack of it. Prolonging its mandate only deepens the eastern DRC crisis, betraying the very people it claims to protect.
Put this fiasco to bed, once and for all!
ellenkampire