This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
On November 8, 2019, the United Nations (UN) outlined a plan to withdraw its 16,000-strong peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) within three years.
The mission, known as Monusco, has been in the country for over two decades and has an annual budget of over $1 billion. Its current mandate is set to expire on December 31.
According to the UN, a phased exit by 2022 would ensure a responsible transition, provided that reforms announced by President Felix Tshisekedi to professionalize the army and neutralize remaining rebels are implemented.
However, the review also noted that a political mission may still be necessary to prevent a resurgence of conflict in the region.
