As the ignominious withdrawal of SADC forces from eastern DRC concludes this May, the next shameful departure must be that of Monusco.
After nearly 30 years of presence in DRC, the United Nations peacekeeping mission has failed to bring peace or stability – which in any case was never their real goal. So, Monusco’s continued presence only deepens the region’s insecurity.
When it first deployed in 1999, it came with the promise of “protecting civilians and helping restore order”. Today, two and a half decades later eastern DRC remains in turmoil. Violence persists, displacement is rampant, and armed groups continue to terrorize communities. The region is in fact worse off when the mission arrived.
What is its legacy? A record of complicity with mass murderers, corruption, and other failure.
Monusco was biased against certain communities of eastern DRC (those targeted for ethnic cleansing by tyrant Felix Tshilombo) and was notoriously in bed with his forces! Whatever crimes against humanity the Congolese bandit outfit of an army, FARDC, and their militia auxiliaries like the genocidal FDLR and Wazalendo collection of village goons perpetrated.
Monusco was implicated in Tshisekedi’s crimes and, in many cases, even provided logistical or military support to the tyrant’s armed coalition.
Also there were many credible accusations that Monusco personnel were involved in illicit mineral trade or related businesses. So-called peacekeepers with access to mining concessions have enriched themselves in the very environment of exploitation and conflict they were meant to dismantle.
To add insult to injury, running Monusco cost a staggering annual budget of US$ 1.6 billion.
Unconscionable!
The United Nations Security Council must confront itself for the corruption it allows to go on under its nose.
Monusco must pack up and go!
After decades of broken promises and worsening crises, the people of Congo deserve a new beginning, free from the shadow of this borderline criminal organization.
ellenkampire