The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to extend the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year, even as the operation proceeds with a phased withdrawal at Kinshasa’s request.
The MONUSCO mission, comprising approximately 16,000 military and police personnel, is one of the UN’s most expensive peacekeeping operations, with an annual budget exceeding $1 billion.
The resolution adopted on Friday emphasised a flexible and gradual approach to MONUSCO’s withdrawal, dictated by local security conditions. While forces have already exited South Kivu, they remain stationed in Ituri and North Kivu—regions plagued by violence from M23 rebels, whom UN experts and several nations allege are backed by Rwanda.
No timeline has been set for the complete withdrawal of MONUSCO, which first deployed to the DRC in 1999.
The resolution voiced deep concern over “continued violence in eastern DR Congo and sustained tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.” However, it stopped short of directly accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels or deploying its troops within Congolese territory.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied accusations of backing the rebels, asserting that its forces are not operating alongside M23 fighters in North Kivu.
The resolution extended MONUSCO’s mandate until December 20, 2025, with a revised troop ceiling. The mission will now consist of up to 11,500 military personnel, 600 military observers and staff officers, 443 police personnel, and 1,270 personnel for formed police units
As MONUSCO prepares for a gradual exit, concerns remain over the DR Congo’s ability to maintain stability amid persistent armed conflict and strained regional relations. The UN’s continued presence seeks to provide a buffer while Congolese authorities and international partners work to address the root causes of violence.
