U.N. Peacekeepers’ Withdrawal in Congo Hinges on Rwandan Troops' Exit

The withdrawal of U.N. peacekeepers from Congo's North Kivu is delayed due to the presence of Rwandan troops. The region, embroiled in a conflict with the M23 militia, has seen over a million displaced. Congolese officials seek an orderly withdrawal, conditioned on evolving circumstances and international awareness of Rwanda's involvement.

The agreed withdrawal of U.N. peacekeepers from Congo’s conflict-ridden North Kivu province has been delayed due to the presence of Rwandan troops in the region, said Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner on Saturday. North Kivu faces a continued insurgency from the Rwanda-backed M23 militia, which has displaced over a million people.

A recent U.N. report estimated that 3,000-4,000 Rwandan troops are involved in fighting alongside the M23 militia, effectively controlling its operations. Despite Rwanda denying these accusations, Congo's government maintains that the conditions for a U.N. pull-out have not been met. Wagner emphasized that, while the withdrawal remains a priority, it must occur in an orderly manner when conditions permit.

MONUSCO, the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo, has no set timeline for its full withdrawal, though it has already exited South Kivu province. Congo's efforts to highlight Rwanda's role in the conflict are gaining international traction, potentially leading to targeted sanctions. The North Kivu conflict has driven more than 1.7 million people from their homes, contributing to a record 7.2 million displaced across the country.