Democratic Republic of Congo and UN Sign Plan for MONUSCO WithdrawalThe Mission of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) officially announced on November 22, 2023, the signing of its withdrawal plan with the Congolese government.
While specific details regarding the timeline were not disclosed, the signing took place between Congolese Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO in the DRC, Bintou Keita. The withdrawal process is set to commence in December 2023.
The formalization of this agreement follows a declaration by the Security Council on October 16, which marked the initiation of the withdrawal process. This signifies the conclusion of a mission that has been in its current form since 2010, succeeding the MONUC, established in 1999. The Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Luntundula, emphasized the desire for an “orderly, progressive, and responsible” withdrawal.
The withdrawal plan encompasses various aspects, including the phased removal of forces, which is expected to occur rapidly, and the transfer of responsibilities and obligations. The effective implementation of this plan will undergo a quarterly assessment through a mechanism, with a primary focus on preventing any security vacuums.
As of now, MONUSCO forces are still present in North Kivu and Ituri, regions grappling with intense armed conflicts and significant displacement. Following the withdrawal, the UN has pledged to continue serving the Congolese population through various programs run by UN agencies.