The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known as MONUSCO, has been operating in the country for 26 years. However, Congolese citizens, particularly those in the eastern region, are questioning its effectiveness and relevance.
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The mission initially deployed in 1999 under the name MONUC. In 2010, it was rebranded as MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). The mission comprises 24,983 personnel, including 20,586 international soldiers and police officers, 2,783 Congolese civilian staff, and 641 international UN volunteers.
By December of last year, MONUSCO’s staff had been reduced to 13,971, with 10,183 being international soldiers. Its annual budget exceeds $1.123 billion, and over 26 years, the UN has spent more than $26 billion on peacekeeping operations in the DRC. Tragically, the mission has lost 445 personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and civilians.
There is a growing sentiment among Congolese citizens and officials that MONUSCO’s presence may have outlived its usefulness. Professor Kizito Sabala, a diplomacy and international relations expert at the University of Nairobi, stated in a recent interview:
“I believe that calls for MONUSCO’s departure will continue to increase. People will eventually feel that its time has passed, and it should leave Congolese territory.”
Philippe Undji, a member of South Kivu’s provincial assembly and a member of the AFDC party, echoed this view, albeit with some reservations:
“I do not doubt that the UN peacekeeping forces have contributed to civilian security. However, it is not enough. We are waiting to see what the UN will do next. That will show us whether they genuinely care about Africa and the DRC.”
The Congolese government itself requested MONUSCO’s withdrawal two years ago. The current mandate is set to expire on December 20, 2025. However, MONUSCO’s deputy head recently emphasized its continued importance in the UN Security Council:
“MONUSCO still faces significant challenges. Nevertheless, it plays a crucial role in ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations.”
Despite these claims, many Congolese citizens argue that MONUSCO has failed to bring lasting peace. Armed conflicts have not subsided but have instead intensified, with daily attacks claiming civilian lives, particularly targeting the Banyamulenge community based on their ethnic identity.
As debates about MONUSCO’s future persist, many Congolese continue to question whether the mission can truly make a difference or if its departure is the best path forward.
