The UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo declared the approval of a troop withdrawal plan for the nation on Wednesday, withholding specific details regarding the timeline. Monusco, the peacekeeping mission, stated the joint agreement on a comprehensive document outlining an organized and accountable withdrawal process.
Although the document includes a plan and schedule, Monusco offered limited specifics, revealing it will occur in three distinct phases.
Monusco, among the most sizable and costly UN peacekeeping operations globally, operates on an annual budget of about $1 billion.
Since 1999, peacekeeping forces have been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo, yet ongoing militia violence persists in the eastern region, stemming from historical conflicts that intensified during the 1990s and 2000s.
Despite its 14,000-strong force, Monusco faces considerable public disapproval, primarily due to perceptions of minimal efforts to quell violence. The Congolese government has formally requested an accelerated departure of Monusco.