UN Security Council adopts resolution phasing down peacekeeping mission in Congo

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday initiating phased-down operations of its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The vote came one day before more than 40 million people will vote in the Congo’s general election in which President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking a second five-year term.

The mission will remain in place until Dec. 20, 2024.

Tshisekedi asked his government in September to fast-track the withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission to ensure it begins at the end of the year.

MONUSCO, or the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, took over from an earlier peacekeeping operation in 2010.

The mission was authorized to use all means to carry out its mandate relating, among other things, to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the government in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts, according to the UN.