Democratic Republic of Congo | MONUSCO

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 the first UN Force Intervention Brigade, 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.

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