This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
On December 20, 2019, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a French-drafted resolution extending the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo for another year.
The resolution, which also referred to the need for an exit strategy from the country, authorizes a maximum of 14,660 troops, a reduction of 2,215 from the previous ceiling of 16,875.
This decision is seen as a 'political signal' in light of the changes that have occurred in the country, including the installation of a new government and the improvement of security in many areas, according to a diplomat.
As part of the extension, the police component of the mission will temporarily gain 360 additional personnel.
The resolution also calls on the government to appoint a coordinator to lead disarmament efforts and reintegration programs for former combatants, and for the country to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.
The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known as Monusco, has a budget of around one billion dollars per year and has been present in the country for twenty years.
