![Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi addresses the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York [Leonardo Munoz / AFP]](https://titapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/congo.webp)
President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has called for the withdrawal of United Nations military forces from his country. In his address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, President Tshisekedi announced that the systematic withdrawal would commence in December 2024. However, he expressed his willingness to begin discussions with the UN to initiate the withdrawal as early as December 2023.
President Tshisekedi argued that the UN mission, known as Monusco, has failed to bring peace to the country during its 25 years of existence. He stated that it was “illusory and counterproductive” to continue relying on the UN force to maintain peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During his speech in New York, President Tshisekedi emphasized the need for his country to take control of its own destiny and play a leading role in ensuring stability. He stated, “It is time for our country to take full control of its destiny and become the main actor in its own stability.”
Monusco, the second-largest UN mission in the world, currently has approximately 18,000 personnel deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including over 12,000 troops. However, the mission has faced growing criticism and has been the target of numerous demonstrations in the past year.
The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known for its mineral wealth, has been plagued by the presence of rebel groups for decades. The civilian population has suffered repeated attacks during this time. The decision to begin the withdrawal of UN forces next month comes as the country prepares for elections scheduled for late December.
It is worth noting that another regional force, deployed to eastern DR Congo last year to support the Congolese military in quelling the conflict, has also faced criticism. While the UN forces have been the primary focus of recent demonstrations, the East African force has not been exempt from scrutiny.
President Tshisekedi’s call for the withdrawal of UN forces reflects a desire for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assert its sovereignty and take responsibility for its own security. The decision raises questions about the future of peacekeeping efforts in the country and the potential impact on stability in the region.