The United Nations Security Council has extended its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year.
Despite previous calls for a withdrawal, the Congolese government requested the renewal, citing the need for continued support in volatile regions.
Nearly 11,000 peacekeepers will remain deployed until at least December 2025, amid ongoing conflicts over land and resources in eastern Congo.
Plans for MONUSCO’s withdrawal from North Kivu and Ituri were paused in July due to security concerns, particularly Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group, which Rwanda denies.
A U.N. resolution condemned external support for armed groups in Congo and called for the withdrawal of foreign forces.
U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood criticized the Council for not directly addressing Rwanda’s involvement, warning it could allow continued support for M23.
MONUSCO’s presence has faced mounting criticism from locals, with protests over its failure to protect civilians.
The renewed mandate includes plans for a gradual, strategic refocusing of MONUSCO’s efforts in the most volatile areas.
