The United Nations is set to initiate the withdrawal of its peacekeeping forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, starting with the handover of the first UN base to the national police.
Despite concerns from the UN about rampant violence in the country’s east, the Democratic Republic of Congo has insisted on the pullout.
In Kamaniola, home to about 100,000 people, opinions were mixed on the eve of the withdrawal’s first phase.
Ombeni Ntaboba, the local youth council president, expressed limited concern, noting that the level of insecurity, marked by armed robberies and kidnappings, remains unchanged.
Mebonda Shingiri, a human rights activist, acknowledged fears about the potential impact on the local economy due to the withdrawal.
Many people in the region are employed by the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she said, applauding the Congolese government’s decision.
Others in the community expressed worries about the “security vacuum” that might follow the departure of the Pakistani forces stationed in Kamaniola. Their presence, they argued, offered at least some protection from Rwandan invaders.
The withdrawal comes as North Kivu faces challenges from the March 23 Movement rebels, who have seized extensive territories.
After South Kivu, the withdrawal’s second and third phases will cover Ituri and North Kivu, with regular assessments of progress.
The DR of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Christophe Lutundula, expressed a desire to complete the withdrawal by the end of this year, although the UN Security Council has not set a specific timeline.
Last month, intense fighting resumed around Goma, the capital of North Kivu, but locals have often voiced more complaints than praise for the UN forces.
The UN mission in Congo recently emphasized its support for the Congolese armed forces in defending their positions and ensuring the safe passage of civilians.
Beatrice Topatunzi, who heads a development association in Kamaniola, expressed concern about the departure of the UN’s blue helmets at a time when the country is at war with rebels supported by neighboring Rwanda. She hopes the Congolese forces will quickly fill the void left by the UN’s departure.
Kinshasa, the UN, and Western countries claim Rwanda supports the March 23 Movement in an attempt to control the region’s vast mineral resources, an accusation Kigali denies.
The UN insists on strengthening the Democratic Republic of Congo’s security forces and caring for civilians as the UN mission to stabilize the DR of Congo withdraws.
About six million people have been displaced due to the conflict in Congo.
