Analyzing the State of UN and Regional Interventions in Eastern DRC
Towards the end of 2023, the UN Security Council approved the withdrawal of MONUSCO from eastern DRC amid rising tensions from armed groups like M23. Local responses to the withdrawal are mixed, reflecting both relief at ending perceived foreign presence and concerns over the loss of essential services. Regional forces, specifically SADC, have garnered more favorable perceptions than EACRF yet face their own operational challenges. The ongoing conflict and inherent instability necessitate foreign support for effective governance and security.
As of late 2023, the United Nations Security Council has responded to the requests of the Congolese government by initiating the withdrawal of the long-standing UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with a scheduled completion date by the end of 2024. However, progress in this withdrawal remains slow; thus far, MONUSCO has only exited one of the three provinces in eastern DRC, and no concrete timeline exists for the cessation of operations in the remaining provinces. Presently, MONUSCO personnel continue to collaborate with troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Congolese armed forces, and local militia groups to navigate the complex security dynamics in the region.
Pascal Kambale, a Congolese researcher and human rights attorney based in Goma, provides an insightful analysis of the precarious security situation in eastern DRC. He elaborates that violence in this region is widespread and has persisted for decades. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), known as a terrorist organization, has established a stronghold in northern North Kivu. Yet, joint military operations involving the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Armed Forces of the DRC have successfully contained the ADF for the first time in decades.
Conversely, the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) in regions such as Ituri and the southern part of North Kivu has become increasingly alarming since 2022, leading to the displacement of over two million people. Attacks on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps by the M23, alongside accusations of ethnic cleansing against them, mark a troubling evolution in local hostilities. Additionally, the proliferation of Mai-Mai militias has further complicated the situation, as some factions of these militias, now termed Wazalendo, have been accused of supporting various armed groups.
The withdrawal of MONUSCO brings forth mixed reactions from local communities. While some citizens welcome the departure of a mission they perceive has overstayed its welcome, others express concern over losing essential services previously provided by MONUSCO, particularly in inter-community dialogue facilitation. Reports indicate that humanitarian organizations are currently stepping in to fill some of the void left by MONUSCO’s operations in South Kivu; however, security conditions remain uncertain.
Additionally, the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which was deployed with government backing, faces distrust and hostility from local populations due to past aggressions by member nations. Contrastingly, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has managed to cultivate goodwill among Congolese communities through effective engagement and previous successful interventions. Although SADC’s mission, SAMIDRC, continues to lag in operational effectiveness against the M23 threat, its approach is markedly more favorable than that of the EACRF.
Challenges persist, particularly concerning ongoing negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda facilitated by Angola. Recent ceasefires have faced violations by the M23, placing further stress on the peace talks. Despite the efforts of regional actors, the FARDC, historically plagued by corruption and inefficiency, remains reliant on external support. Nevertheless, recent reforms and training initiatives showcase a potential path toward improving the military’s capabilities. In the immediate term, despite some progress, the DRC will require continued assistance from external forces to maintain security stability.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been mired in conflict for decades, making international and regional peacekeeping efforts crucial to restoring stability. The MONUSCO mission, established in 1999, was intended to help restore order amid ongoing violence from various armed groups. Over the years, the situation has evolved, with the Congolese government now expressing a desire for the withdrawal of MONUSCO. Despite this request, the complexities of the security landscape necessitate the continued presence of some form of international assistance in the form of regional forces like the SADC and the EACRF.
The state of security in eastern DRC remains precarious as the withdrawal of MONUSCO progresses, albeit slowly. The resurgence of groups like the M23 indicates a volatile situation that local forces, particularly the FARDC, will struggle to manage independently in the near term. While regional interventions such as those from SADC show promise, the DRC’s future security will largely depend on ongoing reforms within its armed forces and effective engagement with international partners.
Original Source: theglobalobservatory.org
