After two decades of significant contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Pakistan has concluded its deployment with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). This marks the end of a long-standing commitment that saw over a hundred thousand Pakistani military personnel serve in the central African nation.
The withdrawal of the Pakistani contingent coincides with the departure of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) engineer deployment, which also completed 20 years of service in the DRC. This period of transition is further underscored by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s extension of South Africa’s commitment to MONUSCO until the end of the year, transitioning to the SAMIDRC mission thereafter.
Since the initial deployment in 2003, Pakistan’s involvement in South Kivu has been marked by the loss of 31 personnel during operations. The dedication and professionalism of the Pakistani troops have been recognized for their role in protecting millions of civilians and maintaining peace and security in the region. Notably, in 2017, the Pakistani contingent, alongside the DRC Armed Forces, thwarted an attempt by armed groups to seize control of the city of Uvira. The following year, they repelled an offensive in the Uvira Hauts Plateaux, safeguarding over 120,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Pakistan suffered some casualties during its deployment to the DR Congo. A Pakistani Puma helicopter crashed in March 2022 with eight people on board. The Congolese army says rebels in the country’s east shot the aircraft down.
Last December, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) signed a note on the accelerated, gradual, orderly and responsible withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission from the country.
As MONUSCO transitions out of South Kivu, the responsibility for the security and protection of Congolese civilians is being transferred to the DRC’s defense and security forces. This handover is part of a broader disengagement plan that aligns with the DRC government’s strategy to bolster its presence in areas previously under MONUSCO’s watch.
The situation in the Great Lakes Region, however, remains precarious. US Ambassador Robert Wood has expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions, citing widespread state support for non-state armed groups and a surge in violence that disproportionately affects civilians. The M23 rebel group, with backing from the Rwandan government and defense forces, has expanded its control over strategic areas, including the Virunga National Park, posing significant threats to regional security and stability.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is one of the largest in the world, with displacement and humanitarian needs reaching alarming levels. The international community’s response to the United Nations’ humanitarian appeal has been limited, with only a fraction of the required funding secured. This shortfall underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the crisis, including immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for human rights, and unhindered humanitarian access.
Ambassador Wood has emphasized the importance of MONUSCO’s mandate to protect civilians, a task that is increasingly challenging as the mission withdraws from South Kivu. He advocates for the highest standards of peacekeeper performance and supports regional efforts to resolve the conflict through the Nairobi and Luanda processes.
As Pakistan’s chapter with MONUSCO closes, the focus remains on the collective efforts to bring peace and stability to the DRC and to address the deep-rooted issues that have fueled conflict in the region for decades.