Kinshasa, 25 June 2024
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) today closed its Bukavu office, the nerve centre of its South Kivu operations for more than 20 years with a high-level event. On 30 June, as agreed with the Government of the DRC, the Mission will complete its withdrawal from South Kivu marking the end of the first phase of its disengagement from the country.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO, Ms. Bintou Keita, Prime Minister H.E. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the Governor of South Kivu, Mr. Jean-Jacques Purusi and other high-level representatives of the United Nations and DRC government participated in the closure ceremony. During the event, MONUSCO donated assets worth US $10 million to the DRC authorities and a range of Congolese partners. The Mission is also transferring to the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) a newly constructed helipad and a base in Rutemba, near Uvira, valued at US $1.5 million. The ceremony took place in Kavumu, 32 km from Bukavu.
“This has been an immense joint effort with the government of the DRC. Despite the many challenges we have faced, the withdrawal of troops and equipment has been orderly and given the time pressure, the first phase has been largely successful,” said Ms Keita. “It’s the dawn of a new era for the province. Ensuring peace and protecting civilians lies fully in the hands of Congolese authorities, who are undertaking this responsibility in close coordination with community and other local leaders, and with the support of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes.”
During its disengagement from South Kivu, which started in January 2024, MONUSCO transferred to national authorities or closed seven bases or facilities (Baraka, Bukavu, Bunyakiri, Kamanyola, Kavumu, Rutemba and Sange), in addition to 15 installations. While MONUSCO has ceased operations in Mikenge, Minembwe and Uvira bases, the transfer to the FARDC will be finalized in the coming weeks.
Since 2002, MONUSCO’s presence in South Kivu has provided direct physical protection to nearly three million people and supported the FARDC through joint operations, patrols, capacity building and medical evacuations. The Mission has helped set up dozens of local protection committees and civilian alert networks. It has worked closely with the DRC authorities and local communities to address the root causes of conflict by promoting dialogue and social cohesion, developing infrastructure, improving human rights, and strengthening the capacity of the police, justice and corrections systems in the province. Over the past twenty years, MONUSCO has helped demobilize more than 4,600 combatants and children associated with armed groups and has collected and destroyed over 44,000 rounds of ammunition and explosives. The Mission has played a pivotal role in multiple electoral cycles, transporting 30 000 kg of election materials to South Kivu’s electoral districts in last year’s presidential elections.
“As we end our journey in South Kivu, I thank the civilian and uniformed personnel who have contributed to peace and security in South Kivu. Your courage and dedication in some of peacekeeping’s most challenging circumstances fill my heart. I pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Ms. Keita. “While MONUSCO has withdrawn from South Kivu, we are committed to carrying out mandate in Ituri and North Kivu.”
As of July 1st, 2024, a residual team of 34 civilians will remain in South Kivu to help United Nations agencies, funds and programmes maintain community alert networks, child protection and community dialogue. The DRC government, MONUSCO, UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as representatives from the international NGOs and civil society produced a provincial roadmap to facilitate the transfer of MONUSCO’s responsibilities to the government, with the support of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes and other partners. This will help ensure that the gain made during MONUSCO’s presence are preserved once the Mission ha has departed.
Monusco Office of the Spokesperson and Media Relations
Domiprel Médias
