In a statement ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Congolese parliamentarian Raphaël Kibuka called for the redefinition of the MONUSCO mandate to support the Congolese army in neutralizing terrorist groups and Rwandan aggression in the East. Kibuka emphasized that the current mandate is insufficient to address the evolving nature of conflicts in the region. He suggested that the mandate should be changed from a peacekeeping role to an offensive and coercive one, as defined in Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
Kibuka noted that the UN has been involved in Congo since its independence, with various missions, including ONUC and MONUSCO, attempting to resolve conflicts. However, he argued that the nature of these conflicts has changed, with external aggression from neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda, now being a major concern. The parliamentarian stressed that a new approach is needed to address this threat and ensure a lasting peace in the region.
The Congolese government should demand the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan military forces from Congolese territory, cessation of hostilities, and dismantling of illicit administrations established by the M23-AFC, Kibuka recommended. He cited UN Security Council Resolution 2773, adopted unanimously on February 21, 2025, which supports this stance. Kibuka emphasized that the Prime Minister should reaffirm the principle of sovereign equality among UN member states.
Furthermore, Kibuka urged the Prime Minister to recall the principles of non-use of armed force against another state's territorial integrity and non-interference in another state's internal affairs. He highlighted the responsibility of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. By redefining MONUSCO's mandate, Congo hopes to receive more effective support in countering external aggression.
The M23-AFC, a rebel group backed by Rwanda, has been responsible for numerous human rights abuses and atrocities in eastern Congo. Kibuka's call for a stronger mandate for MONUSCO comes amid ongoing concerns about the group's activities and the humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with frequent clashes between government forces and rebel groups.
The redefinition of MONUSCO's mandate would require approval from the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Kibuka's recommendations are expected to be considered by the Congolese government ahead of the UN General Assembly session. The international community has been urged to support Congo's efforts to address the security challenges posed by Rwandan aggression.
The crisis in eastern Congo has significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts. The international community has been called upon to provide support to Congo and other affected countries in addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting a lasting peace.
Key points
- Redefining MONUSCO's mandate to support Congolese army against Rwandan aggression.
- Demand for withdrawal of Rwandan military forces from Congolese territory.
- Emphasis on UN Security Council's responsibility in maintaining international peace and security.
