# Pakistan Concludes Its Peacekeeping Mission with MONUSCO

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/05/pakistan-concludes-its-peacekeeping-mission-with-monusco/
- Published: 2024-05-20T08:17:05+01:00
- Author: Patrick Kenyette

After two decades of significant contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping
mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Pakistan has concluded its deployment
with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
This marks the end of a long-standing commitment that saw over a hundred thousand
Pakistani military personnel serve in the central African nation.

The withdrawal of the Pakistani contingent coincides with the [departure](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/chinese-sappers-conclude-over-two-decades-of-service-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo/)
of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) engineer deployment, which also completed 
20 years of service in the DRC. This period of transition is further underscored
by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s [extension of South Africa’s commitment to MONUSCO](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/south-africa-extends-military-deployment-in-drc-amidst-monusco-withdrawal/)
until the end of the year, transitioning to the SAMIDRC mission thereafter.

Since the initial deployment in 2003, Pakistan’s involvement in South Kivu has been
marked by the loss of 31 personnel during operations. The dedication and professionalism
of the Pakistani troops have been recognized for their role in protecting millions
of civilians and maintaining peace and security in the region. Notably, in 2017,
the Pakistani contingent, alongside the DRC Armed Forces, thwarted an attempt by
armed groups to seize control of the city of Uvira. The following year, they repelled
an offensive in the Uvira Hauts Plateaux, safeguarding over 120,000 internally displaced
persons (IDPs).

Pakistan suffered some casualties during its deployment to the DR Congo. A Pakistani
Puma helicopter [crashed](https://www.military.africa/2022/03/pakistani-puma-helicopter-under-uns-peacekeeping-mission-in-dr-congo-crashes/)
in March 2022 with eight people on board. The Congolese army says rebels in the 
country’s east shot the aircraft down.

Last December, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and 
the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) [signed a note](https://www.military.africa/2023/12/drc-and-un-agree-on-plan-for-monusco-withdrawal/)
on the accelerated, gradual, orderly and responsible withdrawal of the peacekeeping
mission from the country.

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As MONUSCO [transitions out of South Kivu, ](https://www.military.africa/2024/05/monusco-ends-over-two-decades-of-operations-in-south-kivu/)
the responsibility for the security and protection of Congolese civilians is being
transferred to the DRC’s defense and security forces. This handover is part of a
broader disengagement plan that aligns with the DRC government’s strategy to bolster
its presence in areas previously under MONUSCO’s watch.

The situation in the Great Lakes Region, however, remains precarious. US Ambassador
Robert Wood has expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions, citing widespread
state support for non-state armed groups and a surge in violence that disproportionately
affects civilians. The M23 rebel group, with backing from the Rwandan government
and defense forces, has expanded its control over strategic areas, including the
Virunga National Park, posing significant threats to regional security and stability.

The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is one of the largest in the world, with displacement
and humanitarian needs reaching alarming levels. The international community’s response
to the United Nations’ humanitarian appeal has been limited, with only a fraction
of the required funding secured. This shortfall underscores the urgent need for 
a comprehensive approach to address the crisis, including immediate cessation of
hostilities, respect for human rights, and unhindered humanitarian access.

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Ambassador Wood has emphasized the importance of MONUSCO’s mandate to protect civilians,
a task that is increasingly challenging as the mission withdraws from South Kivu.
He advocates for the highest standards of peacekeeper performance and supports regional
efforts to resolve the conflict through the Nairobi and Luanda processes.

As Pakistan’s chapter with MONUSCO closes, the focus remains on the collective efforts
to bring peace and stability to the DRC and to address the deep-rooted issues that
have fueled conflict in the region for decades.

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