Current Dynamics of UN and Regional Interventions in Eastern DRC

At the end of 2023, MONUSCO was set to withdraw from the eastern DRC amidst complex security challenges involving various armed groups. The resurgence of the M23 has exacerbated humanitarian crises, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu. The local population’s reaction to MONUSCO’s withdrawal is mixed, with fears of losing essential services. The operational effectiveness of SADC differs from that of EAC forces, highlighting regional dynamics influenced by external perceptions and historical hostilities.

At the conclusion of 2023, the UN Security Council approved the withdrawal of the long-standing UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the end of 2024, at the behest of the Congolese government. However, as the year concludes, MONUSCO has withdrawn from only one of the three provinces in eastern DRC, with no definitive timeline established for the completion of its mission. Meanwhile, MONUSCO continues to collaborate with troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Congolese armed forces, and local militia groups as they navigate the complex security landscape of the region.

Pascal Kambale, a Congolese researcher and human rights lawyer, highlights the multifaceted security dynamics in eastern DRC, particularly in regions plagued by violence. Decades of turmoil characterize the northern part of North Kivu, largely attributed to the presence of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a designated terrorist organization. However, joint operations involving the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) appear to have contained the ADF temporarily. Conversely, the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) since 2022 poses an alarming threat, displacing over two million individuals in the first half of the year alone.

Additionally, the rebranded Mai-Mai militias, now known as the Wazalendo, are suspected of supporting multiple factions, leading to widespread confusion. The eastern DRC remains a complex tapestry of alliances and hostilities, exacerbated by the involvement of various regional and international actors attempting to restore peace and security. While MONUSCO has begun its gradual withdrawal, concerns loom over the escalating violence in North Kivu and Ituri, necessitating a reevaluation of the peacekeeping mission’s effectiveness.

The local population exhibits mixed feelings towards MONUSCO’s withdrawal; while some view it as overdue, others express concern about the potential loss of crucial services that MONUSCO provided. The government’s invitation to the East African Community (EAC) to deploy a regional force revealed stark opposition among the local populace, as many viewed the EAC’s member states, particularly Rwanda and Uganda, as historical aggressors against the DRC. Missteps during the EAC’s deployment further eroded local trust, creating a perception of complicity in regional hostilities.

In contrast, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has garnered goodwill from local populations, largely due to the positive memory linked to their previous operations under MONUSCO, specifically the successful Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) mission. Though SADC has not yet engaged significantly in combat operations against the M23, initial military encounters have fostered a sense of credibility among the Congolese.

At present, the cease-fire mediated by Angola between the DRC and Rwanda remains tenuous, with recent violations by M23 highlighting the fragility of the truce. Despite this, prospects for peace talks appear to be increasingly positive, prompting cautious optimism among residents in regions like Goma.

The Congolese armed forces, historically labeled as weak and disorganized, have seen recent improvements in morale and training, reflecting the government’s efforts to address longstanding issues of corruption and inefficiency within the military ranks. However, substantial challenges remain, particularly if these forces are to assume responsibility for national security in the absence of international support. The ongoing reliance on external forces for security underscores the complexity of the situation in eastern DRC, where local militias also play critical roles in the dynamics of conflict management.

The topic at hand delves into the intricate security landscape of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in light of the impending withdrawal of MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission. Amidst decades of conflict marked by various armed groups including the ADF and M23, the region faces urgent humanitarian and security challenges. The government’s request for a UN withdrawal reflects a broader shift in regional dynamics, involving various interventions from regional bodies like SADC and the EAC amid fluctuating public perceptions and complex alliances.

The current state of security in eastern DRC remains precarious as regional dynamics shift with the impending withdrawal of MONUSCO. The resurgence of groups such as the M23 poses significant threats to local populations, all while the Congolese armed forces struggle to achieve stability on their own. The contrasting responses to regional forces like SADC and EAC further highlight the complexities of local trust and international involvement in addressing a protracted humanitarian crisis. Ultimately, while some progress has been made within the FARDC, the path to sustained peace and security in eastern DRC will require ongoing effort and support from external actors.

Original Source: theglobalobservatory.org