The Future of UN Peacekeeping in Eastern Congo: A Critical Assessment

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo, known as MONUSCO, faces increasing scrutiny as the region grapples with ongoing conflict, particularly due to the recent resurgence of the M23 rebel group in North Kivu. Initially established with the expectation of a swift resolution to violence, MONUSCO's presence has now become a subject of debate regarding its effectiveness and future in the country.

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Blue Helmets, highlighting a lack of measurable success since he took office in 2019. Tshisekedi has called on the UN to begin planning for a gradual withdrawal of peacekeepers, a process that commenced with the exit of MONUSCO forces from South Kivu in June 2024, with North Kivu and Ituri provinces expected to follow.

However, the recent offensive by the M23 rebels has prompted the Congolese government to reconsider its earlier stance on the withdrawal. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized the need for a responsible approach to the withdrawal, warning against exacerbating security issues in North Kivu, which has seen a dramatic increase in violence.

In a recent session of the UN Security Council, the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu was highlighted as urgent, with calls for a coordinated international response to the deteriorating situation. The deputy head of MONUSCO, Vivian van de Perre, stressed the dire conditions faced by civilians in the region, suggesting that a complete withdrawal of peacekeepers would leave the local population vulnerable.

While Tshisekedi's government had initially sought a reduction in MONUSCO's presence, recent developments indicate a shift towards supporting the continued deployment of peacekeepers, at least temporarily. The Congolese government acknowledges that MONUSCO troops play a crucial role in providing independent intelligence regarding the movements of armed groups, including those backed by Rwanda.

Martin Kobler, a former head of MONUSCO, criticized the UN Security Council's decision to withdraw troops, attributing the recent turmoil to this premature decision. Reflecting on past successes, he noted that in previous years, a coordinated effort between MONUSCO and Congolese forces effectively safeguarded the city of Goma from rebel advances.

Experts have pointed out that the Congolese government had high expectations for MONUSCO's ability to protect civilians from armed groups like the M23. However, these expectations have largely gone unmet, leading to frustration among the local populace and officials. This discontent could drive governments to consider alternative security solutions, such as hiring private military contractors, as seen in other conflict-affected regions.

In a related move, the DRC has reportedly employed Romanian mercenaries to combat the M23 rebels, although their effectiveness has been called into question following recent events. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now coordinating the evacuation of these mercenaries amid the escalating conflict.

Critics argue that the nature of MONUSCO's mandate has not been fully realized, as the peacekeeping force, despite having a robust mandate allowing for offensive operations, has remained largely passive in the face of aggression from armed groups. This lack of decisive action raises concerns about the effectiveness of the mission and the potential consequences for the security situation in eastern Congo.

As the situation evolves, the international community faces critical decisions regarding the future of peacekeeping efforts in eastern Congo. The balance between a responsible withdrawal of troops and the need for continued support for the Congolese government remains delicate, with the welfare of civilians in the region hanging in the balance.