United Nations peacekeepers have initiated the transfer of their first military base to security forces in eastern Congo, marking the beginning of a phased withdrawal after decades of presence in the country. The handover took place in Kamanyola, South Kivu province, amidst escalating violence in the conflict-ridden region.
The move involved the transfer of responsibility and equipment from the U.N. peacekeepers to Congo's national police, in accordance with a planned drawdown agreed upon between the government and the U.N. last year. Eastern Congo has long been plagued by numerous armed groups vying for control of the region's valuable resources, particularly gold.
For 25 years, the U.N.'s primary mission in Congo has been the protection of civilians. However, many Congolese feel unprotected from rebel attacks, leading to protests against the U.N. mission. Last year, the U.N. Security Council extended the peacekeeping mandate until December 20 and outlined a reduction in troop numbers starting in July.
The current drawdown plan involves closing 14 bases and facilities in South Kivu by June, with further decisions on the withdrawal timeline to be made by the U.N. Security Council. Recent weeks have seen a surge in violence, with the M23 rebel group launching attacks near Goma, the region's largest city.
M23, suspected of having ties to Rwanda, had been dormant for years before resurfacing over two years ago. Their actions have led to land seizures, mass displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite facing attacks, the U.N. has maintained its support for Congo's army in defending positions safeguarding civilians.
During the handover ceremony, U.N. mission chief expressed hope that the process would lead to a peaceful withdrawal. While some residents praised the U.N. for its peace-building efforts, others expressed a desire for Congo's security forces to take over, citing decades of foreign involvement with limited results.
