JUST IN: DR Congo President Tshisekedi Tells UN Peacekeepers To Leave The Country

JUST IN: DR Congo President Tshisekedi Tells UN Peacekeepers To Leave The Country

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has urged for an expedited withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. This call comes in the wake of repeated protests against the UN’s perceived failure to quell rebel groups, more than two decades after its deployment in the country.

Certain regions in the DRC are under significant threat from armed militias orchestrating deadly attacks on civilians in their struggle for territorial dominance and control of the nation’s mineral resources.

Many locals have demanded the departure of the UN mission, and demonstrations against peacekeepers have sometimes turned violent, resulting in the loss of civilian lives.

Read Also Al Jazeera Reveals Ex-Nigerian Govt Official To Share In $11bn Gas Scandal Damages

In 2010, a UN peacekeeping force known as MONUSCO took over from the earlier operation called MONUC, which was established in 1999 to assist in bringing peace and stability to the DRC.

During his address to the UN General Assembly, Tshisekedi emphasized that the withdrawal of MONUSCO was crucial in resolving the conflict between the Congolese people and the mission.

“The acceleration of the withdrawal of the MONUSCO becomes an imperative necessity to ease tensions between the latter and our fellow citizens,” he stated, adding that “peacekeeping missions deployed — in one form or another — for 25 years … have failed (to tackle) the rebellions and armed conflicts which are tearing the Republic apart.”

Tshisekedi also argued that it was “illusory and counterproductive to continue to cling to … MONUSCO to restore peace … and stabilize” the DRC.

According to the Congolese leader, discussions were in progress between his government and UN authorities to hasten MONUSCO’s departure, commencing at the end of the year.

Previously, the DRC government had agreed to a withdrawal deadline set for December 2024.

Last month, anti-UN protests resulted in the tragic loss of at least 43 lives and left 53 others injured as demonstrators clashed with local authorities.

Similar protests earlier in the year in the DRC have also led to civilian casualties.

MONUSCO currently boasts a staff of over 17,000 in the DRC, including 14,000 military personnel, based on data last updated on its website in February of this year.

The DRC is set to hold general elections in late December amid threats of unrest from numerous armed militias.

Stay Updated With More News By Joining Our WhatsApp Group With The Link Below

https://chat.whatsapp.com/K4lp5EKuqaACBUywirqziW