Why have UN peacekeepers been in DR Congo for 65 years?
2025-02-04 12:00
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known as MONUSCO, has been in operation for 65 years. It is the UN’s largest and most expensive peacekeeping mission, with a budget of over $1 billion per year.
MONUSCO was established in 1960, shortly after the DRC gained independence from Belgium. The mission was initially tasked with helping to stabilize the country and prevent a civil war. However, the DRC has been plagued by violence and instability for much of its history, and MONUSCO has remained in the country ever since.
The mission’s mandate has evolved over the years, but its core tasks have remained the same: to protect civilians, support the peace process, and help to build a stable and democratic government. MONUSCO has also played a role in combating sexual violence, promoting human rights, and providing humanitarian assistance.
Despite the mission’s long presence in the DRC, the country remains one of the most dangerous in the world. Violence continues to plague the eastern part of the country, where armed groups are fighting for control of natural resources. MONUSCO has been accused of failing to protect civilians from these groups, and there have been calls for the mission to be withdrawn.
However, the UN has argued that MONUSCO is still needed in the DRC. The mission has helped to reduce violence and improve security in some parts of the country, and it has played a key role in supporting the peace process. The UN has also said that withdrawing MONUSCO would likely lead to a resurgence of violence.
The future of MONUSCO is uncertain. The mission’s mandate is set to expire in 2024, and the UN has not yet decided whether to renew it. The DRC government has said that it wants MONUSCO to withdraw, but the UN has said that it will only do so if it is convinced that the country is stable enough to stand on its own.
Impact of UN peacekeepers in the DRC:
The presence of UN peacekeepers in the DRC has had a significant impact on the country. The mission has helped to reduce violence and improve security in some parts of the country, and it has played a key role in supporting the peace process. MONUSCO has also helped to protect civilians from violence, promote human rights, and provide humanitarian assistance.
However, the mission has also been criticized for its failures. MONUSCO has been accused of failing to protect civilians from violence, and there have been allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers. The mission has also been criticized for being too expensive and for not doing enough to address the root causes of conflict in the DRC.
Despite its shortcomings, MONUSCO remains an important player in the DRC. The mission has helped to reduce violence and improve security, and it has played a key role in supporting the peace process. MONUSCO is also providing humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need.
The future of MONUSCO is uncertain. The mission’s mandate is set to expire in 2024, and the UN has not yet decided whether to renew it. The DRC government has said that it wants MONUSCO to withdraw, but the UN has said that it will only do so if it is convinced that the country is stable enough to stand on its own.
Why have UN peacekeepers been in DR Congo for 65 years?
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