The DRC government told CNN that since July 25, there have been anti-UN protests in the eastern region of the DRC, in which 36 people, including four peacekeepers, have been killed and 170 injured.
Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of UN forces from the Central African country for failing to rein in rebel groups in the east, which have masterminded deadly attacks against civilians.
In another shooting incident on Sunday, two UN soldiers were charged with firing at a border post between Uganda and the DRC, killing two and injuring 15 others, a spokesman for the DRC government said. told CNN on Monday.
“Yesterday (Sunday) there was an accident on the border between Uganda and the DRC,” said Patrick Muayya, DRC’s Minister of Communications and government spokesman.
“Some UN peacekeepers came back from leave and when they reached the border, the (DRC) immigration service asked them to come back after three days… because there is a lot of pressure in the DRC at the moment. But they decided to force their way out and started shooting. Two people died and 15 people were injured.”
The MONUSCO force in a statement described the actions of its personnel involved in the shooting as “inexplicable and irresponsible behaviour”, adding that the officers had been arrested and were being investigated.
Why are people angry?
Muayya said the DRC people have become disenchanted with the UN peacekeeping force for failing to secure the country.
The DRC is grappling with decades of militia violence as state forces struggle to rein in rebel groups. Fighting between government troops and the M23 rebel group, which seeks control of the country from its stronghold in eastern DRC, has left many dead and thousands displaced.
“People are upset and tired of UN peacekeepers in the DRC because they have been here for the last 20 years but the security situation has not changed much,” he said.
At least 23 civilians have been killed by M23 between June and July of this year, according to Human Rights Watch.
“MONUSCO never claimed to be a panacea for the security problems of the DRC. We work in support of the state to protect and bring stability,” wrote Diagne.
In another tweet, Diagne said that MONUSCO’s misgivings have created “excessive expectations”.
“We need to communicate better. Too many people misunderstand the United Nations, Security Council and MONUSCO. This leads to excessive expectations, doubts and achievements being forgotten,” he tweeted, adding that MOUNSCO forces already was withdrawn from eight provinces in the DRC.
“Every day MONUSCO protects communities, strengthens provincial capabilities, conducts investigations, isolates children from armed groups, and finances projects,” said Diagne, citing the UN force’s achievements .
Why now?
Thomas Facy, a senior DRC researcher at Human Rights Watch, told CNN that protests against the UN mission have been taking place over the past decade, but have escalated because of an endless cycle of violence in eastern DRC.
“Attacks and killings are frequent, displacing more people than ever before, so people are questioning the ability of MONUSCO to protect civilians and help defeat myriad armed groups,” Fassi said. “The frustration and anger of the Congolese people at the UN mission should not be ignored.”
Government spokesman Muayya said the protests were prompted by comments made in June by MONUSCO spokesman Mathias Gilman, that UN forces do not have enough equipment to counter the M23.
“The UN spokesman here made a statement that the UN is not capable of fighting the M23 … and was explaining that the M23 has advanced weapons,” Muya said.
Keita said that such attacks were able to dominate MONUSCO.
“Should the M23 continue its well-coordinated attacks against the FARDC (the Armed Forces of the DRC) and MONUSCO with increased conventional capabilities, the mission could find itself faced with a threat that is beyond its current capabilities. ,” He said.
Keita said that in recent conflicts, the M23 fought “like a conventional army” rather than as an armed group.
“The M23 has firepower and increasingly sophisticated equipment … as well as accuracy on the aircraft … It poses a threat to the population and the blue helmets (United Nations peacekeepers), who have a mandate to protect, are clear. “
CNN has contacted the United Nations mission in the DRC for additional comment.
One year to evacuate UN troops
In 2010, the United Nations Security Council resolved to withdraw 2000 peacekeepers from the DRC following pressure from then-President Joseph Kabila, who called for a complete withdrawal of UN fighters from the country.
The DRC government under current President Felix Tshisekedi said it was working with the United Nations on a plan for a withdrawal.
Government spokesman Muiya told CNN that the government is negotiating with civilians on a full withdrawal of UN troops from the DRC, but it could take up to a year to evacuate them all.
“As a government, we are on equal footing with our people but the difference is that we are working with MONUSCO on their retreat plan. We have been working on that since September last year. Even That if we decide to end our association with them today, it will take at least six to nine months or maybe a year to make sure they are gone.”
Muiya said the government is under pressure to handle the situation at the earliest. However, the DRC is expected to come under greater pressure after a United Nations evacuation, when its forces confront militia groups in a single attempt.
Muayya said the DRC government is also working on security improvements to build a stronger army.
“We’re collaborating with MONUSCO on a transition plan. We’re getting them ready to go, plus, we’re making sure we’re doing a decent amount of improvement to make sure we have a There is an army that can handle all security issues in the country,” he said.