After more than twenty years of dedicated service, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) peacekeeping engineer contingent has concluded its mission with the United Nations (UN) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The final farewell parade, held on Tuesday, 9 April, in Bukavu, South Kivu, marked the end of an era for the Chinese military engineers who have been a cornerstone of the UN mission MONUSCO.
Since their arrival in 2003, the Chinese contingent has played a pivotal role in bolstering the province’s infrastructure. Their contributions are impressive, with more than 580 engineering projects completed, 1,800 kilometers of road repaired, over 80 bridges rehabilitated, and 20 helipads constructed. These efforts have significantly improved the connectivity and accessibility within the region, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and aid.
The withdrawal of the Chinese engineers aligns with the broader drawdown plans of MONUSCO, aiming to conclude active operations in the DRC by the end of the year. As part of this process, several bases have already been transferred to the DRC authorities, including the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC). The first base to be handed over was Kamanyola in South Kivu, which is now under the control of the Congolese National Police (Police Nationale Congolaise).
Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and head of MONUSCO, addressed the PLA during the farewell parade. She emphasized that the mission’s disengagement from South Kivu does not signify the UN’s departure from the DRC. Instead, it represents a reconfiguration of the UN’s presence to better support the people and the government of the DRC.
As MONUSCO prepares for its exit, UN agencies, funds, and programs will continue their support in accordance with their respective mandates. The Congolese government is set to take over the responsibilities for civilian protection and security, marking a new chapter in the DRC’s journey towards self-reliance and stability.
The legacy of the Chinese peacekeeping engineers will live on through the infrastructure they have built and the relationships they have fostered. Their departure is not just the end of a mission but a testament to the enduring partnership between the UN and contributing nations like China in the pursuit of global peace and development.
