MONUSCO Withdrawal Leaves 5,000 Unemployed in Sud-Kivu Amid Ongoing Crisis

The withdrawal of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has left at least 5,000 people unemployed in Sud-Kivu province. This decision, requested by the Congolese government, has significant implications for the local economy and security.

Sud-Kivu, already reeling from natural disasters such as torrential rains and landslides in May 2023, now faces further economic hardship. The floods and landslides resulted in 490 deaths, with 2,340 people missing, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, schools, and farms. The destruction of a large warehouse deprived farmers of 25 tonnes of seeds, exacerbating the region's economic woes.

The Congolese government has opted for a military solution to address the ongoing conflict in the east, abandoning peaceful processes like negotiation and diplomacy. Patrick Muyaya, the Congolese spokesperson, stated, “Diplomacy had proved futile and therefore the only way forward is a military solution.”

Why this matters: The withdrawal of MONUSCO from Sud-Kivu has significant implications for regional stability and security, as it may exacerbate the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This could lead to further displacement, human rights abuses, and instability in the region, with potential consequences for the entire African continent.

The conflict, which broke out in 2012 between the M23 rebel movement and government forces (FARDC) supported by the UN intervention force, has deep roots in the grievances of the Rwandophone populations of North and South Kivu provinces. These populations felt discriminated against and mistreated by the central government, leading to the formation of the M23 rebel group by fighters who had mutinied from the army.

Efforts by regional actors, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President of Angola João Lourenço, to mediate the conflict through the Nairobi and Luanda processes have not yielded a peaceful resolution. The peace roadmap called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of troops from East African Community member states to oversee its implementation. However, Congolese President Tshisekedi has shown no interest in implementing the peace roadmap and has instead assembled a coalition of troops from Burundi, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc, and even FDLR militias and mercenaries.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on December 20, 2023, renewing MONUSCO's mandate for a year while establishing its gradual, responsible, and sustainable withdrawal, starting with a drawdown from South Kivu by April 30. This phased withdrawal has raised concerns about the future of civilian protection, particularly in areas where peacekeepers regularly patrolled.

The security situation in North Kivu has further deteriorated since early October as a result of ongoing fighting between M23 and the FARDC, supported by a coalition of local militias known as Wazalendo. At least 2,446 civilians were killed in South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri provinces between January and late October 2023. Additionally, at least 1,533 civilians were killed, 469 injured, and 712 kidnapped between January 1, 2023, and March 19, 2024.

The International Criminal Court has been investigating serious crimes in the DRC since 2004 and has announced its intention to conduct a preliminary examination into alleged crimes committed in North Kivu since January 1, 2022. The withdrawal of MONUSCO and the integration of surrendered Mobondo members into FARDC ranks without prior vetting raise concerns about the potential for further human rights abuses.

The withdrawal of MONUSCO from Sud-Kivu has left thousands unemployed and exacerbated the region's existing economic and security challenges. The Congolese government's pursuit of a military solution leaves the future of civilian protection and stability in the region uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• MONUSCO's withdrawal from Sud-Kivu leaves 5,000 people unemployed.
• Congolese government pursues military solution, abandoning diplomacy.
• Conflict in eastern DRC may worsen, threatening regional stability.
• Human rights abuses and civilian harm concerns rise with MONUSCO's exit.
• Economic hardship in Sud-Kivu worsens due to floods, landslides, and conflict.