In light of the ongoing offensive by the 23 March Movement (M23) in North Kivu, which violates the ceasefire, and the unapproved presence of external forces from a neighboring state in the country’s eastern region, the Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for an additional year. The Council, operating under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, unanimously adopted resolution 2765 (2024) (to be published as document S/RES/2765 (2024)), determining that the new mandate ends on December 20, 2025. On an unusual basis and without precedent to the fundamental tenets of peacekeeping, the mission comprises its Force Intervention Brigade.
Security Council backs Congo peace
The draft also determined that 11,500 military soldiers, 600 military observers and staff officers, 443 police officers, and 1,270 members of established police groups would make up MONUSCO’s allowed troop cap. Additionally, the text decided to uphold the Mission’s primary strategic goals, which include safeguarding civilians, assisting in the stabilization and fortification of state institutions, and implementing significant reforms in governance and security. In this sense, it permitted MONUSCO to employ “every available tool to swiftly and successfully stop armed groups from attacking civilians.” In other words, the text asked the Secretary-Gener al to report on the implementation of MONUSCO’s gradual, responsible, and sustainable withdrawal in his quarterly reports. The Secretary-General was also asked to assess the performance of the Mission, including its Force Intervention Brigade, and offer operational assessments and recommendations. The report also called for a customized strategy for MONUSCO’s slow, responsible, and sustainable withdrawal, taking into account changing conflict dynamics and protection threats in high-risk areas in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. It asked that the Council be informed of this plan by March 31, 2025.
Mandate renewed for Congo stabilization
According to the representative of Sierra Leone, a co-penholder of the text, “today’s adoption can be a moment that will significantly change the trajectory of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict.” He backed Kinshasa’s initiatives to fortify and stabilize State institutions while also safeguarding civilians. He did, however, issue a warning that M23’s territorial expansion is still extremely worrisome and called for an immediate halt to its onslaught and expansion in the country’s east. Noting that the document reiterates that protecting civilians will be a top priority for MONUSCO, France’s delegate stated that the Mission will also continue its disengagement. He reiterated support for the Luanda process and urged all parties to continue negotiations, denouncing any barriers to the execution of its mandate, particularly M23’s geographical growth. Speaking on behalf of Algeria, Guyana, and Sierra Leone, Mozambique’s delegate emphasized after the vote that the resolution comes “at a pivotal moment” for the DRC and the region.
Congo mission secures extension
He emphasized the need to assist Kinshasa in tackling the worsening humanitarian and security conditions in the country’s east and emphasized that the country’s stability and civilian protection depend on its mandate being carried out effectively. Planning the mission’s next steps and stabilizing the drawdown in South Kivu needs close coordination with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the national level, he emphasized how crucial it is to revive the Nairobi process to handle the problem of local armed groups in a sustainable manner. In order to guarantee a well-equipped State apparatus that can manage the territory and combat any threats to citizens, a strong State presence must be established in the eastern regions. He also emphasized Angola’s leadership and mediation efforts, as well as the African Union’s vital contributions to resolving the long-running conflict in the country’s east. He urged the Security Council to keep up its positive role in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the crisis, even though regional and national efforts remain crucial.
UNSC adopts resolution 2765
China’s envoy praised Angola’s efforts to advance the Luanda process, pointing out that the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a pivotal point. He added that the UN should fully respect Kinshasa’s government’s opinions and demands and make sure that the exit of MONUSCO does not leave a security void. He further expressed support for Kinshasa in defending its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The envoy from the United Kingdom, meanwhile, urged all parties to participate in the process in good faith and expressed sorrow over the postponement of the Luanda process Heads of State summit. He urged warring parties to refrain from impeding the mission’s operations and expressed worry about the increase in violence since December 15th, including the presence of the Rwanda Defence Forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
