The United Nations began the historic withdrawal of peacekeepers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, marking the end of a 25-year presence in the conflict-ridden nation.
This move comes despite concerns from the international community about ongoing violence in the eastern provinces.
The withdrawal began with a ceremony at the Kamanyola base in South Kivu, where UN flags were replaced with those of the DRC.
National police have assumed control of the base, and this process will be repeated at all 14 UN bases in South Kivu before the end of April. Further phases will see the withdrawal from North Kivu and Ituri provinces, which have been most affected by decades of conflict.
The UN Stabilisation Mission in DR Congo, known as MONUSCO, was established in 1999 to quell the Second Congo War.
At its peak, MONUSCO had 20,000 troops deployed, but their effectiveness has been questioned by the DRC government. Kinshasa has long accused the peacekeeping force of failing to protect civilians from armed groups operating in the east.
The UN Security Council approved the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO in December 2023, following a request from the DRC government.
Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula has called for the complete pullout by the end of 2024, though a specific date remains undetermined.
The withdrawal process is a complex one, raising concerns about the potential for renewed violence and instability in the region.
While the DRC government hopes the withdrawal marks a step towards greater national security, the international community remains cautious, urging continued efforts towards peace and stability in the long-troubled country.
