The UN Security Council voted in favor of extending the mandate of the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year, effectively postponing a planned withdrawal from eastern provinces.
Despite previous calls for departure from the Congolese government, the mission's renewal was requested by Kinshasa, according to Western media.
The extension means nearly 11,000 peacekeepers will remain deployed until at least December 2025, focusing on the volatile mineral-rich east, where various rebel groups operate.
The planned withdrawal from South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri provinces remains paused. Kinshasa cited security concerns, including the alleged presence of Rwandan troops supporting the M23 rebel group, as justification. Rwanda denies any involvement.
While the Congolese government initially called for a faster withdrawal, the mission's unpopularity, fueled by perceived shortcomings in protecting civilians from militia violence, has led to protests.
The extension resolution calls for a discussion of an orderly withdrawal plan, focusing MONUSCO's presence on the most volatile areas.