DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (MONUSCO)

Background

Following an earlier mission in the country, persistent violence caused the Security Council to authorize an extension of that force, known as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The mission was established to protect civilians from violence, facilitate humanitarian access, and disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate former combatants back into society. The Security Council has altered the mandate in the following years, including creating a “Force Intervention Brigade,” the first of its kind for a UN peacekeeping mission, which carries out targeted offensive operations to neutralize and disarm armed groups in Eastern Congo.

How MONUSCO Supports U.S. Interests

  • Strengthens the rule of law

    MONUSCO regularly trains police, corrections officers, and members of the judiciary to strengthen the rule of law and counter impunity. The mission supports mobile courts to increase access to justice in remote areas, and provides technical support to the military and civilian justice systems.

  • Facilitates humanitarian assistance

    Millions of people throughout the DRC—particularly in the country’s eastern provinces—are facing acute humanitarian challenges. More than 1.5 million Congolese are internally displaced, 3.6 million are estimated to be food insecure within the country, and overall, more than 7.5 million are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. MONUSCO works with the government, humanitarian actors, and the DRC police force to facilitate humanitarian assistance to displaced populations.

  • Protects civilians

    MONUSCO’s Force Intervention Brigade has supported targeted offensive operations against armed groups in eastern Congo—including a successful campaign against the M23—in order to protect civilians and promote stability in the region. MONUSCO has also established community alert networks and local protection committees in conflict-affected areas. The networks and committees help protect civilians from risk through cooperation with local security services, local authorities, and civil society.

Budget

While the U.S. is the largest single contributor to the UN’s peacekeeping budget at 28% or $1.8 billion of the total budget, other UN member states pay the vast majority of costs and contribute 99% of the nearly 90,000 troops. Provided below is a breakdown of the cost of each mission and the U.S. contribution to MONUSCO.

Resources

MONUSCO and DRC Elections

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MONUSCO Website

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Security Council Resolution 2556 (until December 20, 2021)

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