The peacekeeping troops have the mission of fighting armed groups which have cemented their presence in eastern DRC.
Despite their presence for the past 20 years, the groups have been increasing where a large number of civilians continue to die in different attacks.
Congolese accuse MONUSCO of working in the interests of foreign countries instead of delivering on their mission.
In the morning of Monday 25th July 2022, protesters turned up in big crowds in Goma, blocked roads and stormed offices of MONUSCO and its logistical base where they looted different valuables including computers, furniture among others. They also set the organization’s vehicle on fire.
The protests organized by the youth from the ruling political party (UDPS) followed more demonstrations launched by women who had spent days at the entrance of MONUSCO’s premises demanding the troops to leave the country because they failed Congolese and are unable to fight M23 rebel group.
During the demonstrations; Police in DRC intervened to disperse the crowds with tear gas in the areas of Majengo, Mutinga-Katoyi, Kituku, Katindo, Ndosho, Quartier Office and Virunga.
One day before, the Mayor of Goma, Senior Police Commissioner Kabeya François Makosa announced that the protests are not allowed and urged relevant authorities to foil the plan.
The Spokesperson of DRC, Patrick Muyaya has via Twitter handle condemned the violent protests noting that those involved must be held accountable and face serious punishments.
Ahead of the protests, Congolese politicians criticized the UN peacekeeping troops for failure to deliver.
As he interacted with members of AFDC political part in Goma on 15th July 2022, the President of Senate, Modeste Bahati Lukwebo said that the UN troops need to leave DRC.
The former Congolese President, Joseph Kabila also used to accuse MONUSCO of failure to solve security issues in the country.
On 18th July 2018, MONUSCO wrote to Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula expressing concerns over hate speeches propagated by the country’s officials.
With the annual budget of US$1 billion, the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC started in 1999.
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