As MONUSCO prepares to withdraw from the eastern DRC by the end of 2024, the security situation remains volatile with various armed groups like M23 and ADF active, prompting mixed reactions from the local population. While regional interventions, specifically from SAMIDRC and EACRF, seek to stabilize the area, challenges persist in the effectiveness of local military forces, necessitating strategic improvements in security governance. The ongoing ceasefire discussions with Rwanda, albeit fragile, present a glimmer of hope for sustained peace talks.
As the end of 2023 approached, the UN Security Council responded to the Congolese government’s request by initiating the withdrawal of the long-standing UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), which is to be completed by the close of 2024. Despite this decision, MONUSCO has only successfully withdrawn from one province, while collaborations remain ongoing with regional forces like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and local militia groups. This interview featuring Pascal Kambale, a human rights lawyer and researcher from Goma, delves into the complex security dynamics in eastern DRC, detailing recent violence, the current state of peacekeeping missions, and the reactions of the populace towards these interventions.
The security situation in eastern DRC has witnessed widespread violence, particularly evident in regions such as Ituri and South North Kivu, where the March 23 Movement (M23) has caused significant humanitarian crises. With more than two million individuals displaced, incidents of attacks on IDP camps have driven ethnic tension to alarming levels. The presence of numerous local militias compounded by the activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) creates a convoluted landscape, as collaboration with the armed forces of Uganda has momentarily curtailed ADF operations.
Despite a mutual understanding to wind down MONUSCO operations, practical challenges have emerged. The mission effectively delivered essential services in many areas, which the Congolese government finds difficult to retain post-withdrawal. Hence, discussions around timelines remain open-ended, particularly in North Kivu, where security remains precarious. MONUSCO’s exit from South Kivu was met with mixed feelings; while some local populations expressed relief, concerns linger regarding the sustainability of essential community services formerly provided by the mission.
Moreover, the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) faced significant public backlash stemming from mistrust and previous regional conflicts. Its initial operations alongside the M23 failed to garner local support, in contrast to the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which appears more favorably viewed due to its historical involvement with the Congolese military. SAMIDRC’s operational challenges, highlighted by a lack of engagement with armed groups thus far, further compound the issues in establishing robust security frameworks.
The existing ceasefire between Rwanda and DRC, mediated by Angola, has witnessed breaches but holds some promise for future negotiations, as a monitoring force has been deployed. However, systemic weaknesses in the FARDC present an ongoing dilemma for sustained security, with recent initiatives aiming to enhance military stability reflecting a cautious optimism. The historical presence of corruption and disorganization within the FARDC identifiers the urgent need for long-term capacity building to achieve self-sufficiency in national security matters.
Amidst these dynamics, it is clear that while regional and international actors have played roles in attempting to stabilize eastern DRC, the road ahead necessitates coherent strategies that enhance the capacities of local military forces without excessive reliance on foreign interventions. Overall, the multifaceted security landscape underscores the complexity of effective peacekeeping and the imperative of involving local communities in shaping their security environment.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has endured years of conflict, particularly in the eastern regions where various armed groups operate. As the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO transitions towards an eventual withdrawal, the implications for local security and socio-political dynamics remain unclear. The fragility of the DRC’s security infrastructure is evidenced by the resurgence of violent groups such as M23 and the ADF, necessitating both international and regional intervention to stabilize the situation and protect civilians.
In conclusion, the situation in eastern DRC remains precarious as MONUSCO prepares for its withdrawal, leaving numerous challenges unaddressed. The efficacy of local military forces like the FARDC in maintaining security independently is still under scrutiny, particularly amidst ongoing violence and the presence of various armed factions. As regional interventions continue to develop, particularly with SAMIDRC, a cooperative approach in conflict resolution and enhanced military training for the FARDC may provide pathways toward a more stable future for the DRC.
Original Source: theglobalobservatory.org
