View source for MONUSCO

{{Short description|UN peacekeeping force in Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox organization
| image        = Emblem of the United Nations.svg
| image_size   = 120px
| name         = MONUSCO
| map          = MONUC deployments Sep 2019.png
| map_caption  = MONUSCO deployment in September 2019
| type         = [[United Nations peacekeeping|Peacekeeping mission]]
| leader_title = Head
| leader_name  = [[Bintou Keita]]<ref name=onorg/>
| status       = Active
| formation    = 30 November 1999
| headquarters = [[Kinshasa]], [[DR Congo]]
| website      = {{Official website|https://monusco.unmissions.org/en}}
| parent_organization = [[United Nations Security Council|UN Security Council]]
| subsidiaries = {{nowrap|[[Force Intervention Brigade]]}}
| footnotes    =
}}
{{Politics of the Democratic Republic of the Congo}}

The '''United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo''', or '''MONUSCO''' (an [[acronym]] based on its French name {{Langx|fr|Mission de l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo|label=none}}), is a [[United Nations peacekeeping]] force in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref name=":0" /> A planned withdrawal from the country is currently on indefinite hold due to advances by the armed group M23 in the North and South Kivu provinces.<ref>United Nations Security Council. ''[https://docs.un.org/en/S/2025/176 Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]''. S/2025/176. United Nations, 20 Mar. 2025. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=9 July 2024 |title=Congo UN peacekeepers pausing pullout, no timeline for next phase |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/congo-un-peacekeepers-pausing-pullout-no-timeline-next-phase-2024-07-09/ }}</ref>

MONUSCO was established by the [[United Nations Security Council]] in resolutions [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1279|1279]] (1999) and [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1291|1291]] (2000) to monitor the peace process of the [[Second Congo War]], though much of its focus subsequently turned to the [[Ituri conflict]], the [[Kivu conflict]] and the [[Dongo conflict]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-12 |title=25 Years, 224 Abuse Allegations, No Peace: A Timeline of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in DRC |url=https://globalpressjournal.com/africa/democratic-republic-of-congo/25-years-224-abuse-allegations-no-peace-drc-kicks-un-peacekeeping-mission/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=Global Press Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> The mission was known as the '''United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo''' or '''MONUC''', an acronym of its French name ''Mission de l'Organisation des Nations Unies en République démocratique du Congo'', [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1925|until 2010]].

The following nations (in alphabetical order) have contributed with military personnel: [[Bangladesh]], [[Belgium]], [[Benin]], [[Bolivia]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Brazil]], [[Burkina Faso]], [[Cameroon]], [[Canada]], [[China]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Egypt]], [[France]], [[Ghana]], [[Guatemala]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]], [[Ireland]], [[Ivory Coast]], [[Jordan]], [[Kenya]], [[Malawi]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mali]], [[Mongolia]], [[Morocco]], [[Nepal]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Niger]], [[Nigeria]], [[Pakistan]], [[Paraguay]], [[Peru]], [[Poland]], [[Romania]], [[Russia]], [[Senegal]], [[Serbia]], [[South Africa]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]], [[Tanzania]], [[Tunisia]], [[Ukraine]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[United States]], [[Uruguay]], [[Yemen]] and [[Zambia]].

In addition, the following nations have contributed with police personnel: Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, [[Chad]], [[Djibouti]], Egypt, France, Ghana, [[Guinea]], Jordan, [[Madagascar]], Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Sweden, Switzerland, [[Togo]], Tunisia, [[Turkey]], Ukraine and Yemen.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=MONUSCO Fact Sheet |url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/monusco |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=United Nations Peacekeeping |language=en |archive-date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419223317/http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/minurso/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The initial UN presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, before the passing of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1291, was a force of military observers to observe and report on the compliance on factions with the peace accords, a deployment authorised by the earlier [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1258|UNSCR 1258]] (1999).<ref name="UN_SRES12581999">{{UN document |docid=S-RES-1258(1999) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=1999 |resolution_number=1258 |accessdate=6 September 2008}}</ref> UNSCR 2556 (2020) provides the authority for the current MONUSCO mandate.<ref name="UNSCR_2348(archived)">{{cite web |title=UNSCR 2348 |url=http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/2348(2017) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523201352/http://www.un.org:80/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/2348(2017) |archive-date=2017-05-23 |access-date=17 January 2018 |website=United Nations}}</ref><ref name="UNSCR_2348">{{Cite web |date=2017-03-31 |title=Security Council Resolution 2348 |url=http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/2348 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=United Nations Security Council |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625134700/http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/2348 |url-status=live }}</ref>

About US$8.74&nbsp;billion was spent to fund the MONUC peacekeeping effort during 1999 to 2010.<ref name="MONUC_facts2010">{{Cite web |date=2010-06-30 |title=MONUC Facts and Figures |url=https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/monuc/facts.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826012246/http://www.un.org:80/en/peacekeeping/missions/monuc/facts.shtml |archive-date=2011-08-26 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=United Nations}}</ref> {{As of|2017|10}}, the total strength of UN peacekeeping troops in DRC is approximately 18,300.<ref name="UNSCR_2348(archived)" /> More than thirty nations have contributed military and police personnel for peacekeeping effort,<ref name="MONUC_facts2010" /> with India being the single largest contributor.<ref name="EUobserver_Pop2008">{{cite web |last=Pop |first=Valentina |date=2008-11-19 |title=Europeans call for more UN troops in Congo |url=http://euobserver.com/9/27140 |access-date=15 March 2016 |website=[[EUobserver]]}}</ref>

==History==
===1990s===
The origin of this second United Nations military presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is found in the [[Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement]] on 17 July 1999 and the following [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1258]] of 6 August 1999, authorizing the deployment of a maximum of 90 officers.

The first liaison officers arrived in the DRC on 3 September 1999. In November 1999 the number of liaison officers totaled 55, distributed in the capitals of the warring countries ([[Rwanda]], [[Uganda]], [[Burundi]], Zambia, [[Namibia]], [[Zimbabwe]], [[Ethiopia]]) including 24 who were stationed in [[Kinshasa]]. In January 2000 they reached the number of 79 and they were spread over the whole territory of DRC. Their mission was to liaise with all the warring factions, give technical assistance and prepare the deployment of military observers.

===2000s===

====2000====
On 24 February 2000 with the resolution 1291, the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of a maximum of 5,537 military personnel in the DRC, including 500 military observers. On 4 April 2000 the Senegalese Major General [[Mountaga Diallo]] was appointed as the commander of MONUSCO's military force. The mandate was to monitor the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and the redeployment of belligerent forces, to develop an action plan for the overall implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement, to work with the parties to obtain the release of all prisoners of war, military captives and the return of the remains, to facilitate humanitarian assistance and to assist the Facilitator of the National Dialogue.

Acting under [[Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter]], the UN Security Council authorized MONUC to take the necessary action, in the areas of deployment of its infantry battalions, to protect UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of its personnel, and to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.

In December 2000 there were 224 military personnel deployed, including 148 observers in thirteen points around the country. The observers could only record the non-application of the Ceasefire, the violent fighting at [[Kisangani]] and in the [[Équateur (former province)|Équateur]] and [[Katanga Province|Katanga]] provinces as well as the presence of foreign troops in the DRC. The deployment of UN troops was impossible due to the security situation and the reluctance of the Congolese government.

====2001====
Even though the beginning of 2001 was still hampered by sporadic combat, the military observers could fulfill their mission in regards with the disengagement of forces and the withdrawal of some of the [[Rwanda Defence Force|Rwandan]] and [[Uganda People's Defence Force|Ugandan forces]].

In March 2001, the first [[Armed Forces of Uruguay|Uruguayan]] guard unit arrived in [[Kalemie]]. The force was deployed in four sectors at [[Kananga]], [[Kisangani]], Kalemie and [[Mbandaka]]. In July 2001, the force strength was of 2,366 soldiers, including 363 military observers distributed across 22 cities, and 28 teams monitoring the disengagement of forces. The contingent soldiers totaled 1,869. They came from South Africa, Uruguay, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. Guard units protected MONUC installations in [[Kinshasa]], [[Kananga]], [[Kisangani]], Kalemie, [[Goma]], and Mbandaka. A Uruguayan riverine unit and a [[South African National Defence Force|South African]] air medical evacuation team were also deployed. The deployed troops were only to protect the sites against looting and theft, the force had neither the mandate nor the strength to protect the civilian population, or even to extract MONUC personnel. Following [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1355|UNSCR 1355]], the military observers, within their capacities, could also contribute to the voluntary disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration process of the armed groups.

With [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1376|Security Council Resolution 1376]], the Security Council launched the third phase of the deployment of MONUC troops, in the eastern DRC. The site for the logistical base was planned to be [[Kindu]], [[Maniema Province]].

====2002====
In 2002, the 450 military observers, split in 95 teams, continued to monitor the Ceasefire along the ex-frontlines. The teams also investigated violations of the Ceasefire. Foreign troops continued to leave the country. The riverine units escorted the first ships on the [[Congo River]], which was again open to commercial traffic. In June 2002 the UN troops' total number was 3,804. Contingents from Ghana and Bolivia joined the force, of which more than a third of the soldiers were Uruguayan. More than one thousand soldiers were deployed in Kisangani. On 14 May 2002, a military observer died near [[Ikela]] following the explosion of a mine under his vehicle.

On 30 July 2002, the different parties signed the [[Pretoria Accord|Pretoria agreement]] and the nature of the mission of the peacekeepers changed. The military observers monitored the withdrawal of 20,000 Rwandan soldiers, but they also noted the rise of [[Ituri conflict|ethnic violence in Ituri Province]]. At the end of 2002 there were a total of 4,200 UN soldiers in the DRC. Through [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1445|UNSCR 1445]], the Security Council authorized the increase of military personnel to 8,500. The principle of two independent intervention forces – civilian and military – was also approved. MONUC was tasked to support the voluntary disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement (DDRRR) process, without the use of force.

====2003====
Numerous DDRRR operations in collaboration with the civilian component were conducted in the beginning of 2003. Before the start of the transition, UN soldiers were deployed along the front lines. A vast redeployment to the East started. The four coordination centres and 22 bases in the western part of the country were shut down. Over one hundred observers were redeployed and Uruguayan contingents arrived in [[Bukavu]], [[South Kivu]] and [[Lubero]], [[North Kivu]]. Observer teams monitored serious combat and human rights violations in Ituri. In April 2003, 800 Uruguayan soldiers were deployed in [[Bunia]], [[Ituri Province]] under [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1484|Resolution 1484]]. In the same month an observer died in a mine explosion. In May 2003 two military observers were savagely killed by a militia.

The withdrawal of 7,000 Ugandan troops in April 2003 led to a deteriorating security situation in the Ituri Province, endangering the peace process. The UN Secretary General [[Kofi Annan]] called for establishing and deploying a temporary multi-national force to the area until the weakened MONUC mission could be reinforced. In his second special report to the Security Council, the UN Secretary General proposed a reorientation of MONUC missions: to provide support to the transition and to maintain security in key areas of the country. Accordingly, he proposed the creation of a brigade in Ituri to support the peace process.

[[File:KitshangaWar-36 (8538205595).jpg|thumb|An IDP camp around a base in [[Kitchanga|Kitshanga]]]]
On 30 May 2003, [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1493|UNSCR 1493]] authorized the deployment of the Interim Emergency Multinational Force (IEMF) in Bunia with a task to secure the airport and protect both [[internally displaced person]]s in camps and the civilians in the town. UNSCR 1493 authorized an increase of military personnel to 10,800, imposed an arms embargo, and authorized MONUC to use all necessary means to fulfill its mandate in the [[Ituri District]] and also in North and South Kivu, as it deemed the additional provinces to be within MONUC's capabilities,

The [[Cabinet of France|French Government]] had already shown interest in leading the operation. It soon broadened to a [[European Union]] (EU) -led mission with France as the framework nation providing the bulk of the personnel and complemented by contributions from both EU and non-EU nations. The total force consisted of about 1,800 personnel and was supported by French aircraft based at airfields in [[N'Djamena]], Chad and [[Entebbe]], Uganda. A small 80-man [[Särskilda Skyddsgruppen|Swedish Special Forces]] (SSG) group was also added.

The operation called [[Operation Artemis]] was launched on 12 June and the IMEF completed its deployment in the following three weeks. The force was successful in stabilising the situation in Bunia and enforcing the UN presence in the DRC. In September 2003, responsibility for the security of the region was handed over to the MONUC mission.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 2004 |title=Operation Artemis: The Lessons of the Interim Emergency Multinational Force |url=http://pbpu.unlb.org/PBPS/Pages/PUBLIC/ViewDocument.aspx?docid=572&menukey=_5_2_4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605013600/http://pbpu.unlb.org/PBPS/Pages/PUBLIC/ViewDocument.aspx?docid=572&menukey=_5_2_4 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |access-date=31 October 2008 |website=United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations}}</ref>

Growing military conflict in DRC caused the United Nations to seek additional military help from major powers. In July 2003, [[India]] announced that it would be sending an additional 300 personnel and combat aircraft from the [[Indian Air Force]] to strengthen the UN peacekeeping effort in DRC.<ref>{{cite news |date=10 July 2003 |title=Indian Air Force to Congo |work=[[BBC World News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3054873.stm |access-date=2022-07-28 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109004635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3054873.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2003, the Ituri brigade was in place, including soldiers from Uruguay, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, India and Morocco.

In November 2003, a total of 10,415 peacekeepers were in the DRC, comprising infantry units, engineer units, helicopter units, logistic units, medical units and riverine units.

====2004====
Deploying the Ituri brigade and conducting [[cordon and search]] operations improved the security conditions in Ituri but, at the same time, the peacekeepers became the target of the militias. On 12 February 2004, a military observer was killed in Ituri.

With the arrival of the [[Transitional Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]], which included members of rebel movements, more than 900 Tunisian and Ghanaian UN troops contributed to the security of Kinshasa.

It was decided that the troops present in the Kivus will be assembled under the unified command of a brigade. In March the Nigerian General [[Samaila Iliya]] took over the command of the force.

In June 2004, Bukavu, South Kivu was occupied by rebel general [[Laurent Nkunda]]. A military observer was killed. The 1,000 MONUC troops could only protect their own installations. Demonstrations were held all over the country and UN troops opened fire on looters in Kinshasa. MONUC soldiers were again targeted by Ituri militia at the end of 2004.

Though the Secretary General had asked for an increase of 13,100 soldiers, in October 2004 the Security Council by [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1565|Resolution 1565]], authorized a reinforcement of 5,900 military personnel and defined the mandate with the strategic military objectives of the MONUC force as:
* proactively contributing to the pacification and general improvement of security in the country;
* providing support for conflict resolution in politically volatile areas;
* improving border security through regional confidence-building mechanisms, such as the Joint Verification Mechanism, and effective patrolling and monitoring of the arms embargo;
* gathering and analysing military and other information on spoilers.

Following the UN resolution, the [[Indian Army]] announced that it would be sending an additional 850 troops and four combat helicopters to aid the MONUC peacekeeping effort.<ref name="In1">{{cite news |date=6 October 2004 |title=DRC: India, Pakistan to Send More Troops |work=[[AllAfrica]] |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200410060045.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020054924/http://allafrica.com/stories/200410060045.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A scandal involving widespread sexual abuse by MONUC staff became public in May 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-12 |title=25 Years, 224 Abuse Allegations, No Peace: A Timeline of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in DRC |url=https://globalpressjournal.com/africa/democratic-republic-of-congo/25-years-224-abuse-allegations-no-peace-drc-kicks-un-peacekeeping-mission/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=Global Press Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> The serious allegations included instances of rape and prostitution of minors in Bunia, Ituri.<ref name=":2">Amnesty International. ''[https://www.amnesty.org/es/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/afr620182004en.pdf Democratic Republic of Congo: Mass Rape-Time for Remedies]''. Amnesty International, International Secretariat, 2004.</ref>

====2005====
By 2005, the strength of UN peacekeeping forces in Congo reached more than 16,000 troops, split almost equally between the Western Brigade and the Eastern Division.

In February 2005, nine Bangladeshi UN troops were killed during an ambush in Ituri. The actions of the Ituri and Kivu Brigades became more robust and the pressure rose on all armed groups. [[Thomas Lubanga Dyilo]], the leader of the [[Union of Congolese Patriots]], and other militia leaders were arrested by Congolese authorities and imprisoned in [[Makala]], Kinshasa. Lubanga was accused of having ordered the killing of the peacekeepers in February 2005 and of orchestrating continuous insecurity in the area. On 10 February 2006, the [[International Criminal Court]] (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Lubanga for the [[war crime]] of "conscripting and enlisting children under the age of fifteen years and using them to participate actively in hostilities." The Congolese national authorities transferred Lubanga to ICC custody on 17 March 2006.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 March 2006 |title=DR Congo rebel faces Hague trial |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4815966.stm |access-date=31 October 2008 |archive-date=3 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703081018/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4815966.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 1 March 2005, a vast cordon and search operation in Ituri was conducted by Nepalese, Pakistani and South African Infantry elements with the support of Indian attack helicopters, between 50 and 60 militiamen were killed.

Senegalese General [[Babacar Gaye]] was appointed force commander in March 2005 after Spanish General Vincente Diaz de Villegas resigned for personal reasons.

In May 2005, the UN Secretary General asked for a supplementary brigade for Katanga. Joint operations were conducted by the newly arrived integrated brigades of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). UN troops were tasked with the support of the electoral process, contributing protection and transport. In Ituri over 15000 militiamen were disarmed.

In October 2005, by Resolution 1635, the UN Security Council authorized a temporary increase of 300 military personnel to permit a deployment to Katanga.<ref>{{cite web |date=2006-07-01 |title=MONUC History |url=http://www.monuc.org/News.aspx?newsId=9564 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060708101447/http://www.monuc.org/News.aspx?newsId=9564 |archive-date=2006-07-08 |access-date=31 October 2008 |website=Monuc.org}}</ref>

====2006====
[[File:MONUCcz.jpg|thumb|Czech soldier in MONUC, {{Circa|2006}}]]
In late January, a group of 80 Guatemalan Special Forces from the [[Kaibiles]] were engaged in a four hour firefight with LRA rebels, ending with the deaths of eight Guatemalans and fifteen rebels. They are believed to have been conducting a raid on an LRA encampment to capture LRA Deputy Commander [[Vincent Otti]]. The incident caused a significant uproar from both the [[Government of Guatemala]] and the Guatemalan public, who demanded an official inquiry into the engagement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/guatemalan-blue-helmet-deaths-stir-congo-debate|title=Guatemalan blue helmet deaths stir Congo debate - Democratic Republic of the Congo|date=31 January 2006 |access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032342/https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/guatemalan-blue-helmet-deaths-stir-congo-debate|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 25 April 2006, the UN Security Council adopted [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1671|Resolution 1671]], authorising the temporary deployment of a [[European Union]] force to support MONUC during the period encompassing [[Democratic Republic of the Congo general election, 2006|the general elections]] in the DR Congo, which began on 30 July 2006.

The European Council approved the launching of the EU military operation, [[EUFOR RD Congo]], and appointed Lieutenant General Karlheinz Viereck (Germany) Operation Commander and Major General Christian Damay (France) EU Force Commander. The Operational Headquarters was the German-nominated Armed Forces Operational Command – Einsatzführungskommando – at [[Potsdam]], Germany.<ref>COUNCIL JOINT ACTION 2006/319/CFSP
of 27 April 2006 on the European Union military operation in support of the UN Mission in the Congo</ref> The mission was tasked with:
* supporting and providing security to MONUC installations and personnel;
* contributing to airport protection in Kinshasa;
* contributing to the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence;
* evacuation operations in case of emergency.

This mission came to an end on 30 November 2006.<ref>[http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_fo/showPage.asp?id=1091&lang=EN&mode=g EUFOR RD Congo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420101803/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_fo/showPage.asp?id=1091&mode=g&lang=en |date=20 April 2008 }}, [[Council of the European Union]], accessed 13 January 2007.</ref>

====2007====
In May 2007, [[India]] announced that it would be sending an additional 70 [[Indian Air Force]] personnel to join the MONOU effort.<ref>[http://www.rxpgnews.com/india/Indian-Army-aviators-head-for-Congo-on-UN-deployment_18129.shtml Indian Army aviators head for Congo on UN deployment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930022221/http://www.rxpgnews.com/india/Indian-Army-aviators-head-for-Congo-on-UN-deployment_18129.shtml |date=30 September 2011 }}, 17 May 2007 – 8:46:52&nbsp;am</ref>

====2008====
[[File:Congopeacekeepers.jpg|thumb|right|Indian peacekeepers on duty, protecting aid workers. India was the single largest contributor of personnel.]]
In August 2008, an internal investigation led by the Indian Army and other MONOU officers revealed that about ten Indian peacekeepers may have been involved in abuse and exploitation in Congo.<ref name=InBBC>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7557670.stm |title=UN probes India 'abuses' in Congo |publisher=BBC |date=13 August 2008 |access-date=30 June 2011 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109004635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7557670.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Earlier in May 2008, the vice chief of the Indian Army visited Congo to look into these allegations and by August 2008, the Indian Army had launched an official probe to look into these allegations.<ref name=InBBC/>

On 26 October 2008 [[Rally for Congolese Democracy]] (RCD) forces of [[Laurent Nkunda]] seized a major military camp, along with [[Virunga National Park]] for use as a base to launch attacks. This occurred after a peace treaty failed, with the resultant fighting displacing thousands.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/26/congo.gorillapark/index.html#cnnSTCText |title=Thousands flee fighting as Congo rebels seize gorilla park |publisher=CNN |date=26 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008 |archive-date=27 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027212732/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/26/congo.gorillapark/index.html#cnnSTCText |url-status=live }}</ref> The park was taken due to its strategic location on a main road leading to the city of [[Goma]].

On 27 October 2008 riots began around the United Nations compound in Goma, and civilians pelted the building with rocks and threw [[Molotov cocktail]]s, claiming that the UN forces had done nothing to prevent the RCD advance.<ref name=CNNunrest>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/27/congo.united.nations.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText |title=Protesters attack U.N. HQ in eastern Congo |publisher=CNN |date=24 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030045606/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/27/congo.united.nations.ap/index.html |archive-date=30 October 2008 }}</ref> The [[Military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese national army]] also retreated under pressure from the rebel army in a "major retreat".<ref name=CNNunrest/>

Meanwhile, United Nations [[attack helicopter|gunships]] and [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured vehicles]] were used in an effort to halt the advance of the rebels, who claimed to be within {{convert|7|mi|km}} of Goma.<ref name=CNNbattle>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/27/congo.united.nations/index.html |title=U.N. gunships battle rebels in east Congo |publisher=CNN |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029024104/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/27/congo.united.nations/index.html |archive-date=29 October 2008 }}</ref> Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for DRC [[Alan Doss]] explained the necessity of engaging the rebels, stating that "[the UN] can't allow population centres to be threatened&nbsp;... [the UN] had to engage."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7692932.stm|title=UN joins battle with Congo rebels|publisher=BBC|date=27 October 2008|access-date=28 October 2008|archive-date=28 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028004529/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7692932.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Indian Army]] personnel were asked to deploy themselves from Goma to adjoining [[North Kivu]] province, after the Uruguayan battalion deployed in the region fled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Newsdtls.aspx?NewsID=19726 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118140828/http://www.timesnow.tv/Newsdtls.aspx?NewsID=19726 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 November 2016 |access-date=1 November 2008 | title=Times Now }}</ref> However, after that several Uruguayan battalions were playing a crucial role in the buffer zone between the retreating government soldiers and the advancing rebels.<ref>[http://www.falkland-malvinas.com/vernoticia.do?id=15219&formato=pdf Uruguay officials travel to assess troops in Congo — MercoPress]. Falkland-malvinas.com. Retrieved 4 September 2013.</ref>

On 29 October 2008, a French request for an EU reinforcement of 1,500 troops was refused by several countries and appeared unlikely to materialize; however, the UN forces stated they would act to prevent takeovers of population centres.<ref name=times>{{cite news |first=Catherine |last=Philp |title=UN peacekeepers braced for full-scale war in central Africa |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5043727.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |work=The Times |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=30 October 2008 |archive-date=29 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529144005/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5043727.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Michelle |last=Faul |title= Congo rebels reach Goma edge, declare cease-fire |url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hoitt5BsM5OKJ2Mmc3g5q6iufXjwD944CKL83 |agency=Associated Press |date=29 October 2008 |access-date=29 October 2008}}{{dead link|date=November 2012|bot=Legobot}}</ref>

In November 2008, India announced that it would be sending the 3rd battalion of the [[3rd Gorkha Rifles]] regiment to replace a [[Sikh Light Infantry]] battalion and join the peace-keeping effort in the Congo.<ref name="R1">{{Cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Bappa |date=2008-11-07 |title=Gurkhas to join Indian troops in Congo U.N. force |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-36382420081107 |access-date=2022-07-04 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704042907/https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-36382420081107 |url-status=live }}</ref> India made the decision to send its elite forces amidst rising concerns that Indian peace-keepers were getting caught in the cross-fire between DRC government troops and rebels.<ref name=R1/>

On 4 November 2008, a 200-fighter strong Mai Mai militia force launched a surprise attack on CNDP troops in Kiwanja, a CNDP-controlled town near [[Rutshuru]], North Kivu. The Mai Mai were initially able to retake the town but a speedy counter-attack returned control to the CNDP less than 24-hours later. After the town was retaken, CNDP forces under the command of [[Bosco Ntaganda]] combed through Kiwanja, searching out boys and men – who they accused of collaborating with the Mai Mai – and executing them on the spot. Older members of the community, both men and women, were also murdered and a large number of women were raped and assaulted. By the end of 5 November, over 150 civilians had been killed in Kiwanja in what has since been dubbed the Kiwanja Massacre.<ref name="Mampilly">{{cite book |last1=Mampilly |first1=Zachariah |title=Peacekeeping in Africa: The Evolving Security Architecture |publisher=Routledge, Taylor and Francis |year=2014 |isbn=9781317913665 |editor-last=Wyss |editor-first=Marco |location=London |language=en |chapter=Indian peacekeeping and the performance of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo |oclc=871224152 |editor-last2=Tardy |editor-first2=Thierry}}</ref>

A UN base was situated less than {{convert|1|mi|km|abbr=on}} from Kiwanja and over 100 Indian peacekeepers were present at the time of the attacks but the forces lacked basic intelligence capabilities – no one in the base spoke the necessary languages, as their interpreter had been reassigned without replacement a week prior – and the peacekeepers later said they had no idea the massacre was taking place until it was over. Lt. Col. H. S. Brar, commander of the Indian peacekeepers at Kiwanja summarized the failure as the result of "poor communication and staffing, inadequate equipment, intelligence breakdowns and spectacularly bad luck."<ref name="NYT_Polgreen1">{{cite news |last1=Polgreen |first1=Lydia |title=A Massacre in Congo, Despite Nearby Support |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/world/africa/11congo.html |access-date=2022-07-03 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2008-12-11 |language=en |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704042916/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/world/africa/11congo.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In its report on the massacre, [[Human Rights Watch]] largely supported Brar's assessment but further observed that competing priorities from headquarters in Goma shifted focus to "assuring the security of humanitarian workers, a foreign journalist, and a group of military observers, rather than protecting the civilian population."<ref>{{cite web |title=Killings in Kiwanja: The UN's Inability to Protect Civilians |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2008/12/11/killings-kiwanja/uns-inability-protect-civilians |website=[[Human Rights Watch]] |access-date=2022-07-03 |language=en |date=2008-12-11 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704042916/https://www.hrw.org/report/2008/12/11/killings-kiwanja/uns-inability-protect-civilians |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the immediate aftermath of the Kiwanja Massacre, the recently appointed civilian and military heads of the UN peacekeeping force in North Kivu, [[Hiroute Guebre Sellassie]] and Gen. [[Bipin Rawat]], brought their commands together for evaluation. As a result, the MONUC civilian and military teams in North Kivu "implemented a number of reforms that drastically improved the performance of peacekeepers and were hailed as a model for other peacekeeping missions." Reforms included the creation of joint protection teams comprising military and police personnel and civil affairs, human rights, and child protection staff operating from the UN's forward bases; a mobile-phone based early warning system, in which community members were provided with devices to alert peacekeepers of unrest; community alert networks that allowed for bases to be contacted around the clock; Community Liaison Assistants (CLAs), an expanded role for Congolese translators to also act as community monitors and information gatherers; an emphasis on civilian outreach; increased foot patrols; and deployment of 30–35 troop standing combat units to areas deemed vulnerable.<ref name="Mampilly" />

On 18 November, a draft resolution spearheaded by the [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (France)|French Foreign Ministry]] was presented before the [[United Nations Security Council]].<ref name=ReutersReinforce>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN18289517._CH_.2400|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205025853/http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN18289517._CH_.2400|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 December 2008|title=More peacekeepers won't bring peace to Congo – UN|publisher=Reuters|author=Louis Charbonneau|date=18 November 2008|access-date=20 November 2008}}</ref> The resolution, signed by 44 different organizations and with the backing of the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office|British Foreign Office]] minister [[Mark Malloch Brown, Baron Malloch-Brown|Mark Malloch Brown]], asked the UN to send 3,000 more peacekeepers to reinforce the 17,000-strong garrison in the Congo, the largest garrison of its kind.<ref name=BBCRebels>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7735159.stm|title=Congo rebels 'to withdraw troops'|publisher=BBC|date=18 November 2008|access-date=20 November 2008|archive-date=20 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120014820/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7735159.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> This echoed calls from Human Rights Watch and other [[humanitarian aid]] groups in the region, who were also asking for reinforcements to bring stability to the area. In a shared statement, the coalition of organizations stated that <blockquote>"[The reinforcements] would help to prevent the atrocities that continue to be committed against civilians on an ever greater scale here in North Kivu [province], on the border of Rwanda and Uganda&nbsp;... Since August 28, fighting has intensified in many areas, causing deaths, rapes, lootings, forced recruitment and further displacements of civilian populations. The population has thus been immersed in unspeakable suffering. In the last few days, fighting has drawn closer to large populated areas, such as the town of Goma. Fighting has also invaded and torn apart the region of [[Rutshuru Territory|Rutshuru]], particularly in the town of Kiwanja, where hundreds of civilian deaths have now been recorded."<ref name="HRW_200811">{{cite web |title=A Plea from Local Organizations and Civil Society in North Kivu |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/11/18/plea-local-organizations-and-civil-society-north-kivu |website=[[Human Rights Watch]] |access-date=2022-07-03 |language=en |date=2008-11-18 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704042907/https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/11/18/plea-local-organizations-and-civil-society-north-kivu |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote> Local groups in the Congo also requested help from the [[European Union]], as they would be able to deploy soldiers sooner, working as a "bridging force" until the UN reinforcements arrived. British EU spokeswoman Catriona Little stated that they were "not ruling in or out EU forces".<ref name=CNNCoalition>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/19/congo.un.troops/index.html|title=Britain, France push for more U.N. troops in Congo|publisher=CNN|date=19 November 2008|access-date=20 November 2008|archive-date=9 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209142332/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/19/congo.un.troops/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 November, the UN voted unanimously to send 3,085 more peacekeepers, citing "extreme concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation and in particular the targeted attacks against civilian population, sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers and [[summary execution]]s." However, it did not extend MONUC's mandate in the Congo, which was set to expire at the end of 2008.<ref name=CNN300>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/20/congo.un.troops/index.html|title=U.N. condemns Congo atrocities|publisher=CNN|date=20 November 2008|access-date=21 November 2008|archive-date=9 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209143026/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/20/congo.un.troops/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The decision was made despite the rebel commitment to pulling back from the front lines and allowing aid to reach the thousands of people still isolated, according to aid groups.<ref name=Guardian300>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/20/congo-unitednations|title=Extra 3,100 UN troops to be deployed to Congo|author=Angela Balakrishnan|work=The Guardian|date=20 November 2008|access-date=21 November 2008|archive-date=4 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904060929/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/20/congo-unitednations|url-status=live}}</ref>

However, a week after the UN vote, the DRC government requested the UN to not deploy any more Indian troops in the east of the country, arguing that there was a need to "redress the balance" of the make-up of the 17,000-strong UN force in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7750564.stm|title=DR Congo declines Indian troops|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|access-date=30 June 2011|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313112434/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7750564.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2009====
On 17 February, [[Egypt]] announced that it would send around 1,325 soldiers from the Egyptian Army to support the UN mission in Congo. Egypt also announced that it would send a police force to help in protecting the UN mission in Congo. The Egyptian armed force would work to give support and technical advice to the Congo Army, operate armed missions in conflict zones, and provide medical assistant and support. According to the Foreign Affairs in Cairo, Egypt would send a Mechanized Unit, Special Forces, Field Engineers, and Paratroops. Egypt already has a small unit in Congo consisting of 13 policemen and 23 observers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.monuc.org/news.aspx?newsID=20117|title=Egypt to send more than 1,325 peacekeepers to Congo |publisher=Reuters|date=18 February 2009}}</ref>

In March 2009, the Indian Army questioned more than 100 Indian troops deployed in DRC regarding the abuse allegations against them.<ref name=In2>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/congo-abuse-army-clean-chit-to-soldiers/433886/|title=Congo abuse: Army clean chit to soldiers|publisher=Indian Express|date=13 March 2009|access-date=30 June 2011|archive-date=27 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227182352/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/congo-abuse-army-clean-chit-to-soldiers/|url-status=live}}</ref> After a thorough investigation, which included examination of statements by alleged victims, the Indian Army found "serious irregularities" in charges raised by the [[United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services]]. Consequently, all of the accused personnel were let off due to lack of evidence.<ref name=In2/>

In October 2009, India announced a US$263&nbsp;million aid package to Congo to help the country's information technology, [[hydroelectricity]] and railway sectors.<ref name=Indiaaid>{{citation | url = http://www.sify.com/news/India-announces-263-mn-credit-for-Congo-news-jk3sEbghdci.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121021124905/http://www.sify.com/news/India-announces-263-mn-credit-for-Congo-news-jk3sEbghdci.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2012-10-21 | title = India announces $263-mn credit for Congo | website = [[Sify]] | date = 2009-10-29<!-- 18:40:00-->}}</ref> India also renewed its military commitments to MONUC while Congo expressed its support for [[Reform of the United Nations Security Council#India|India's UNSC permanent seat candidature]].<ref name=Indiaaid/> These developments helped thaw relations between the two countries.

In December, MONUC rushed peacekeeping troops to [[Dongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Dongo]] in the [[Kungu]] territory of [[Sud-Ubangi District]] where [[Dongo conflict|a new conflict]] rapidly escalated in an effort to protect the local population.<ref name="MONUC2411">{{citation|url=http://monuc.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1042&ctl=Details&mid=1096&ItemID=6547 |title=Equateur: New interdisciplinary MONUC mission in Dongo |publisher=MONUC |date=24 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429172309/http://monuc.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1042 |archive-date=29 April 2009 }}</ref> A MONUC helicopter that was restocking the 20 troops stationed there fell under gunfire from armed men. The helicopter crew, all of Russian nationality, facilitated the evacuation of 25 people, including 5 injured people (including the helicopter pilot), who were brought to [[Brazzaville]] for emergency medical treatment.<ref>{{citation|url=http://monuc.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1042&ctl=Details&mid=1096&ItemID=6730 |title=Alan Doss meets the Russian crew of a MONUC helicopter attacked in Dongo |publisher=MONUC |date=12 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429172309/http://monuc.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1042 |archive-date=29 April 2009 }}</ref>

Sources in Kinshasa reported that in mid-November DRC President [[Joseph Kabila]] secretly airlifted a battalion of [[Rwandan Defense Forces]] (RDF) across Congo to put down the rebellion in Dongo and the operation was supported by the United Nations Observes Mission in Congo ([[MONUC]]) and the [[United States Africa Command]]. Along with RDF regulars, MONUC troops have been fighting alongside [[Tutsi]] Rwandan soldiers infiltrated by Rwanda, with the Kabila government's support, into the national army, the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).<ref>{{citation|title=Belgian Paratroopers To Crush Rising Congo Rebellion? |url=http://www.consciousbeingalliance.com/2009/12/belgian-paratroopers-to-crush-rising-congo-rebellion/ |date=7 December 2009 |first=Keith |last=Harmon Snow |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226200656/http://www.consciousbeingalliance.com/2009/12/belgian-paratroopers-to-crush-rising-congo-rebellion |archive-date=26 December 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref>

At the weekly MONUC press conference of 16 December 2009, it was announced by MONUC spokesperson Madnodje Mounoubai that the first MONUC peacekeeping troops were deployed in Dongo, where a temporary operational basis is functional, as well as in nearby [[Bozene]]. The 500 MONUC troops will come from the Ghanaian, Tunisian and Egyptian contingents as well as troops from the Guatemalan Special Forces. Military equipment such as armored personnel carriers, transport and combat helicopters will also be at their disposal to support their mission.<ref>{{citation|url=http://monuc.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=932&ctl=Details&mid=1096&ItemID=6815 |title=Equateur: An extra 500 MONUC troops being deployed to Dongo |publisher=MONUC |date=16 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429172347/http://monuc.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=932 |archive-date=29 April 2009 }}</ref>

===2010s===

====2010====
In accordance with Security Council resolution 1925 of 28 May 2010, MONUC was renamed as of 1 July the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to reflect the new phase reached in the country. In August 2010, the Mai Mai rebels ambushed a base of the 19th [[Kumaon Regiment]] of the [[Indian Army]], killing three Indian peace-keepers.<ref name=TOI1>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120905125527/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-19/india/28311544_1_indian-peacekeepers-indian-soldiers-congo-government 3 Indian peacekeepers killed in Congo], Times of India, 19 August 2010</ref> The attack renewed calls in India to decrease the country's military presence in Congo due to growing conflict in the region.

====2011====
In May 2011, the international cooperation minister of DRC expressed his government's desire of an "orderly, progressive withdrawal" of MONUSCO due to "normalization" of DRC's relations with neighboring countries and containment of rebels to a "few isolated zones".<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/dr-congo-calls-un-withdraw-peacekeepers DR Congo calls on UN to withdraw peacekeepers] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017052717/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/dr-congo-calls-un-withdraw-peacekeepers |date=17 October 2012 }}, Radio Netherlands, 18 May 2011</ref>

In June 2011, the UN announced that it would withdraw about 2,000 peace-keepers by the end of the month.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121018203957/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F6%2F17%2Fworldupdates%2F2010-06-17T001737Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-493692-1&sec=Worldupdates U.N. peacekeepers start Congo withdrawal], The Star, 17 June 2010</ref> The UN announcement came only a few days after India's decision to withdraw all of its four [[Mi-35]] combat helicopters from MONUSCO and eventually cease peace-keeping operations in DRC.<ref name="WP_Lynch2011">{{Cite news |last=Lynch |first=Colum |date=2011-06-14 |title=India's withdrawal of helicopters from Congo points to wider trend |language=en-US |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/indias-withdrawal-of-helicopters-from-congo-points-to-wider-trend/2011/06/10/AGH5loUH_story.html |access-date=2022-07-27 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=20 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220004508/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/indias-withdrawal-of-helicopters-from-congo-points-to-wider-trend/2011/06/10/AGH5loUH_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2012====
[[File:UN-12-049 (8137919009).jpg|thumb|Members of Uruguayan Riverine Company patrolling [[Lake Tanganyika]], March 2012]]
{{main|2012 East DR Congo conflict}}
On 15 November, MONUSCO helicopter gunships were deployed to support government forces as they fought to hold off a [[March 23 Movement|23 March Movement]] attack south of Kibumba; the combined army and UN assault killed approximately 64 M23 fighters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/congo-democratic-un-idUSL5E8MLH6J20121121 |title=UN defends failed attempt to halt capture of Congo's Goma |date=21 November 2012 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=21 November 2012 |archive-date=29 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129111232/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/21/congo-democratic-un-idUSL5E8MLH6J20121121 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref>

On 20 November 2012, 23 March Movement seized the provincial capital of [[Goma]] after the national army retreated. MONUSCO troops observed without intervening, as their mandate only allowed them to protect civilians.<ref name=NYT2011>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/world/africa/congolese-rebels-reach-goma-reports-say.html |title=Congo Rebels Seize Provincial Capital |author=Jeffrey Gettleman and Josh Kron |date=20 November 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 November 2012 |archive-date=20 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120190538/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/world/africa/congolese-rebels-reach-goma-reports-say.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref> French Foreign Minister [[Laurent Fabius]] called the situation "absurd", noting MONUSCO's greatly superior numbers, and called for the group's mandate to be revised.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jonny Hogg |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-democratic-idUSBRE8AI0UO20121120 |title=Congo rebels seize eastern city as U.N. forces look on |publisher=Reuters |date=20 November 2012 |access-date=20 November 2012 |archive-date=21 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121162508/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/20/us-congo-democratic-idUSBRE8AI0UO20121120 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref> UN spokesman Eduardo del Buey said peacekeepers "cannot substitute" for the Congo national army, adding that the 1,500 UN troops in Goma held their fire because they did not want to risk civilian lives.<ref name=BBC2011>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20405739 |title=DR Congo M23 rebels 'enter Goma city' |publisher=BBC News |date=20 November 2012 |access-date=20 November 2012 |archive-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205032005/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20405739 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref>

====2013====
{{See also|United Nations Force Intervention Brigade}}
[[File:FIB-training-22 (9311333487).jpg|thumb|[[Tanzania People's Defence Force|Tanzanian special forces]] during a training exercise in Sake, July 2013]]

In January 2013 chief of MONUSCO [[Herve Ladsous]] told the UN Security Council during a closed-door session that the mission plans to deploy three [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s in eastern provinces of DRC. US, UK and some other Security Council members were also supportive of the idea. However, Rwanda, which had denied allegations by UN experts that it has been supporting the [[March 23 Movement]], opposed this proposal. Rwandan delegation informed the UN Security Council that Monusco would be a "belligerent" if it deployed drones in eastern DRC. Other diplomats, including Russian, Chinese, and some from Europe, also expressed reservations. They said there were unanswered questions about who would receive the information from the drones and how widely it would be disseminated, expressing discomfort at the idea of the United Nations becoming an active gatherer of intelligence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Rwanda-opposes-use-of-drones-DRC-20130109|title=Rwanda opposes use of drones in DRC|publisher=News 24|date=9 December 2013|access-date=11 December 2013|archive-date=14 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214115518/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Rwanda-opposes-use-of-drones-DRC-20130109|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2013, the United Nations [[Security Council]] authorized the deployment of an intervention brigade within MONUSCO to carry out targeted offensive operations, with or without the [[Military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese national army]], against armed groups that threaten peace in eastern DRC. The brigade is based in [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]], North Kivu, and is made up of a total of 3,069 peacekeepers. It is tasked with neutralizing armed groups, reducing the threat posed to State authority and civilian security and to make space for stabilization activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44876#.UizEW9JJOE0|title=Tanzanian troops arrive in eastern DR Congo as part of UN intervention brigade|publisher=United Nations|access-date=8 September 2013|date=10 May 2013|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928085644/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44876#.UizEW9JJOE0|url-status=live}}</ref> The first Brigade was composed of three battalions, one each from [[South African Army|South Africa]], [[Tanzania People's Defence Force|Tanzania]] and [[Malawian Defence Force|Malawi]] with the Brigade being commanded by [[James Aloizi Mwakibolwa]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/printreport.aspx?reportid=98140|title=NGOs concerned about new DRC Intervention Brigade|publisher=IrinNews|access-date=30 July 2014|date=31 May 2013|archive-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808040120/http://www.irinnews.org/printreport.aspx?reportid=98140|url-status=live}}</ref> of Tanzania.

On 30 July 2013, the March 23 Movement was given a 48-hour ultimatum by the UN to leave Goma area or face "use of force".<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/201373017252298401.html UN gives ultimatum to DR Congo rebels – Africa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801232357/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/07/201373017252298401.html |date=1 August 2013 }}. Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 4 September 2013.</ref> Between 21 and 29 August, heavy fighting outside Goma left 57 rebels, 10–23 government soldiers, 14 civilians and one Tanzanian UN peacekeeper dead. Seven-hundred and twenty government soldiers and ten UN peacekeepers were also wounded.<ref name="go">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/casualties-congo-troops-forces-fight-rebels-20065097 |title=International News &#124; World News - ABC News &#124; Casualties as Congo and UN Forces Fight Rebels |publisher=abcnews.go.com |access-date=15 March 2016 |archive-date=28 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828083647/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/casualties-congo-troops-forces-fight-rebels-20065097 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="go2">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/congo-conflict-spills-rwanda-20111030 |title=International News &#124; World News - ABC News &#124; Rebels Declare Ceasefire in Congo |publisher=abcnews.go.com |access-date=15 March 2016 |archive-date=1 September 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901121605/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/congo-conflict-spills-rwanda-20111030 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="un">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45727#.UiMppjZHIpk|title=United Nations News Centre - DR Congo: UN chief deplores killing of Tanzanian peacekeeper|date=29 August 2013|publisher=un.org|access-date=15 March 2016|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105044543/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45727#.UiMppjZHIpk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="enca">{{cite web|url=http://www.enca.com/africa/sa-snipers-kill-congo-rebels|title=SA snipers kill Congo rebels &#124; eNCA|author=eNCA|work=eNCA |publisher=enca.com|access-date=15 March 2016|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924000423/http://www.enca.com/africa/sa-snipers-kill-congo-rebels|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:A team of technicians prepares for the inaugural flight of an Unmanned-Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in Goma, North Kivu province (11189522286).jpg|thumb|A team of technicians prepares for the inaugural flight of the UAV, December 2013]]

====2014====
After the [[2014 South Kivu attack]] in June 2014, the UN announced it would send MONUSCO peacekeeping troops to the area to protect the population. "These violent acts are unacceptable and need to stop immediately," said Kobler.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dispute over cows leaves 37 dead, 20 others injured in eastern Congo|work=Chicago Tribune|date=7 June 2014|author=Crispin Kyalangalilwa|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/06/07/dispute-over-cows-leaves-37-dead-20-others-injured-in-eastern-congo/|access-date=8 June 2014|archive-date=8 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608152438/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-06-07/news/sns-rt-us-congo-massacre-20140607_1_national-liberation-forces-cows-burundi|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2015====
In May 2015, [[Allied Democratic Forces]] Ugandan rebels ambushed a MONUSCO convoy about {{convert|7|mi|km}} from Beni, killing two Tanzanian soldiers. Four other peacekeepers were reported missing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32605771 |title=Tanzanian UN peacekeepers killed in DR Congo near Beni |publisher=BBC News |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109004635/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32605771 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2015, [[Maman Sambo Sidikou]] succeeded [[Martin Kobler]] as head of the MONUSCO.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sga1596.doc.htm |title=Secretary-General Appoints Maman Sambo Sidikou of Niger Special Representative for Democratic Republic of Congo |publisher=United Nations |date=8 October 2015 |access-date=8 December 2016 |archive-date=4 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204185527/http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sga1596.doc.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Bintou Keita in Kalemie during covid-19 on 26 MARS 2021 (cropped).jpg|thumb|The head of MONUSCO [[Bintou Keita]] (on right) in Kalemie in 2021, observing COVID-19 precautions]]

====2017====
On 8 December 2017, the Semuliki operating base, 27 miles from the town of Beni, was [[2017 Semuliki attack|engaged in a protracted attack]] which resulted in the deaths of 15 UN peacekeepers and 5 Congolese soldiers killed. 53 UN peacekeepers were also wounded. At least 12 of the dead UN peacekeepers were Tanzanians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/08/africa/africa-un-peacekeepers-killed/index.html|title=15 UN peacekeepers slain in Congo|author1=Joe Sterling|author2=Robyn Kriel|author3=Eric Levenson|date=8 December 2017|publisher=CNN|access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=17 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117151523/https://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/08/africa/africa-un-peacekeepers-killed/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/fourteen-un-peacekeepers-killed-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-attack-11161884|title=Fourteen UN peacekeepers killed in Democratic Republic of Congo attack|access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208192535/https://news.sky.com/story/fourteen-un-peacekeepers-killed-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-attack-11161884|url-status=live}}</ref> It is suspected that the attackers were rebels of the [[Allied Democratic Forces]] (ADF).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42285871|title=UN peacekeepers killed in DR Congo|work=BBC News|date=8 December 2017|access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116151500/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42285871|url-status=live}}</ref> This brought the total casualties of UN forces since the mission commenced in Congo to 93.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/08/peacekeepers-killed-in-attack-on-un-base-in-dr-congo|title=Islamist attack kills at least 15 UN peacekeepers and five soldiers in DRC|first=Jason|last=Burke|date=8 December 2017|website=the Guardian|access-date=17 November 2018|archive-date=22 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022005924/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/08/peacekeepers-killed-in-attack-on-un-base-in-dr-congo|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020s===

====2022====
In March, due to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Ukraine withdrew its aviation unit of eight helicopters.<ref name="UkraineWithdrawal">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62945971 |title=Ukraine troops leave DR Congo peacekeeping mission Monusco |last=Cyuzuzo |first=Samba |website=BBC |date=19 September 2022 |access-date=24 September 2022 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925065053/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62945971 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Anti-MONUSCO protests]] emerged in late July amidst accusations by Congolese politicians and civilians of failing to take action to end the Kivu conflict within the country. The protestors demanded that MONUSCO leave the country.<ref name="aj"/> On 26 July, fifteen people were killed and 50 others were injured as UN peacekeepers opened fire at a protest in [[Goma]], North Kivu.<ref name="aj">{{Cite web |date=2022-07-26 |title=At least 15 killed as anti-UN protests spread in eastern DR Congo |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/26/un-peacekeepers-troops-shoot-two-protesters-dead-in-goma-drc |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |language=en |archive-date=26 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726212051/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/26/un-peacekeepers-troops-shoot-two-protesters-dead-in-goma-drc |url-status=live }}</ref> The same day, three peacekeepers and seven civilians were killed during an attack on a MONUSCO base by protesters in [[Butembo]].<ref name="aj"/> On 27 July, four protesters at a MONUSCO base in [[Uvira]] were killed by electrocution after soldiers shot an electric cable which fell on them. South Kivu governor [[Théo Ngwabidje Kasi]] called for investigations as to whether the cable was shot by Congolese security forces or MONUSCO peacekeepers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kyala |first1=Crispin |last2=Bujakera |first2=Stanis |title=Four civilians electrocuted during Congo anti-U.N. protests |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/four-dead-anti-un-protests-spread-congo-2022-07-27/ |website=[[Reuters]] |access-date=28 July 2022 |language=en |date=27 July 2022 |archive-date=27 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727150800/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/four-dead-anti-un-protests-spread-congo-2022-07-27/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September, Ukraine withdrew its 250 troops from the mission.<ref name="UkraineWithdrawal"/>

====2023====
{{See also|2023 DRC anti-MONUSCO protests}}

In August 2023, protesters clashed with soldiers in a protest in [[Goma]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], against MONUSCO forces for the failure to prevent the violence of militants against civilians. According to reports, the death toll reached 56 on September 5, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two officers arrested over DR Congo crackdown as death toll rises to 56 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/5/two-officers-arrested-in-dr-congo-for-crackdown-that-killed-43-people |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

====2024====
The [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] called for MONUSCO to withdraw from the country amidst a rising perception that they were failing to protect civilians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All UN peacekeepers to leave DR Congo by end of 2024 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/13/un-says-all-peacekeepers-will-leave-dr-congo-by-end-of-2024 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> MONUSCO initially agreed to a full withdrawal by the end of the year, with the first phase of the withdrawal beginning in July, involving the closure of their main office in [[Bukavu]], [[South Kivu]].<ref name="MONUSCO Withdrawal">{{Cite web |title=PR: MONUSCO ending its mission in South Kivu after more than 20 Years of Service |url=https://monusco.unmissions.org/en/pr-monusco-ending-its-mission-south-kivu-after-more-20-years-service-0 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=MONUSCO |date=25 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref> In July, amidst [[M23 offensive (2022–present)|an intensifying offensive]] by the [[March 23 Movement|M23]] in [[North Kivu]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Security Council Renews Mandate of Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2765 (2024) {{!}} Meetings Coverage and Press Releases |url=https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15949.doc.htm |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=press.un.org}}</ref> the pullout was halted and indefinitely postponed. [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Democratic Republic of the Congo)|Foreign Minister]] [[Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner]] expressed a concern for the creation of a security vacuum, stating "we will take into account the developments that we see on the ground before making responsible decisions and starting this process when the most favourable conditions are met."<ref name=":1" />
====2025====
[[File:Paula_Gaviria_Betancur_in_the_DRC.jpg|thumb|left|Special Rapporteur, Paula Gaviria Betancur, in 2025 in the DRC]]
In January 2025, M23 [[2025 Goma offensive|seized control of the city of Goma]], and at least 13 soldiers from the [[South African National Defence Force]] and one from the [[National Army (Uruguay)|Uruguayan Army]] were killed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sundayworld.co.za/news/sandf-denies-surrendering-to-drcs-m23-rebels/|title=SANDF denies surrendering to DRC's M23 rebels|first=Mpho|last=Koka|date=28 January 2025|website=Sunday World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-25 |title=Murió un soldado uruguayo de los cascos azules en el Congo y otros están heridos: el comunicado del Ejército |url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/mundo/murio-un-soldado-uruguayo-de-los-cascos-azules-en-el-congo-y-otros-estan-heridos-el-comunicado-del-ejercito |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=EL PAIS |language=es-UY}}</ref>

In 2025, UN Special Rapporteur [[Paula Gaviria Betancur]] visited the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (DRC) when there we re 7 million displaced people. In addition there is armed conflict and she met some of the leaders. She called for international assistance and leadership from the government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-30 |title=RDC: la rapporteuse spéciale de l'ONU tire la sonnette d'alarme sur le sort des déplacés |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20250530-rdc-la-rapporteuse-sp%C3%A9ciale-de-l-onu-tire-la-sonnette-d-alarme-sur-le-sort-des-d%C3%A9plac%C3%A9s |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=RFI |language=fr}}</ref>

==Organization==
The headquarters of the mission are in [[Kinshasa]], DRC. The mission views the DRC as consisting of 6 sectors, each with its own staff headquarters. In 2005-6 the Eastern Division however was formed at [[Kisangani]] and took over brigades in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, along with two or three of the Sector HQs.

The approved budget for MONUC, from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008, is US$1.16&nbsp;billion, the largest for any current UN peacekeeping operation.

===Force commanders===
[[File:MONUC deployments Dec 2009.png|thumb|300px|Locations of MONUC units in December 2009]]
{{Post-start|caption=MONUSCO commanders|float=}}
{{Post-header|post-name=Force commanders}}
<!-- {{Post-member|from-date=nd|post-incumbent=xxx {{postnominals|country=ZAR|DSO|OBE|VD}}|to-date=nd}} -->
{{Post-member|from-date=March 2000|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Mountaga Diallo]] ([[Senegal]]) |to-date=January 2004}}
{{Post-member|from-date=January 2004|post-incumbent=[[Samaila Iliya]] ([[Nigeria]]) |to-date=February 2005}}
{{Post-member|from-date=February 2005|post-incumbent=[[Babacar Gaye]] ([[Senegal]]) |to-date=July 2010}}
{{Post-member|from-date=July 2010|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Chander Prakash]] ([[India]]) |to-date=March 2013}}
{{Post-member|from-date=April 2013|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz]] ([[Brazil]]) |to-date=December 2015}}
{{Post-member|from-date=December 2015|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Derrick Mgwebi]] {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SD|SM|MMM}} ([[South Africa]]) |to-date=January 2018}}<ref>{{cite news|last1=Helfrich|first1=K. |title=Exclusive: Mgwebi's term as MONUSCO force commander ends|website=Defenceweb|date=25 January 2018|access-date=31 January 2018|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50479:exclusive-mgwebis-term-as-monusco-force-commander-ends&catid=56:diplomacy-a-peace&Itemid=111 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131081111/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50479:exclusive-mgwebis-term-as-monusco-force-commander-ends&catid=56:diplomacy-a-peace&Itemid=111 |archive-date=31 January 2018}}</ref>
{{Post-member|from-date=January 2018|post-incumbent=Maj Gen Bernard Commins{{efn|Acting Force Commander}} ([[France]]) |to-date=June 2018}}
{{Post-member|from-date=June 2018|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Elias Martins Filho]] (Brazil) |to-date=January 2020}}
{{Post-member|from-date=January 2020|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Ricardo Augusto Ferreira Costa Neves]] (Brazil) |to-date=April 2021}}
{{Post-member|from-date=April 2021|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Marcos de Sá Affonso da Costa]] (Brazil) |to-date=February 2023}}
{{Post-member|from-date=February 2023|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Otávio Rodrigues de Miranda Filho]] (Brazil)|to-date=February 2025}}
{{Post-member|from-date=February 2025|post-incumbent=Lt Gen [[Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes]] (Brazil) |to-date=present}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Secretário-Geral da ONU nomeia o Tenente-General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes como Comandante da MONUSCO|url=https://brasil.un.org/pt-br/288364-secret%C3%A1rio-geral-da-onu-nomeia-o-tenente-general-ulisses-de-mesquita-gomes-como-comandante|website=UN|date=28 January 2025}}</ref>
{{End}}

===Sector headquarters===
* MONUSCO HQ: [[Kinshasa]]
* Sector 1: [[Mbandaka]]
* Sector 2 and Eastern Division HQ: [[Kisangani]]
* Sector 3: [[Kananga]]
* Sector 4: [[Kalemie]]
* Sector 5: [[Kindu]]
* Sector 6: [[Bunia]]

===Force numbers and fatalities===
In July 2004 there were 10,531 UN soldiers under MONUC's command. On 1 October 2004, the UN [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] decided to deploy 5,900 more soldiers to Congo, although UN Secretary-General [[Kofi Annan]] had asked for some 12,000.

On 25 February 2005, nine Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed by members of the [[Nationalist and Integrationist Front]] militia in [[Ituri Province|Ituri province]]. The FNI killed another Nepali peacekeeper and took seven captive in May 2006. Two of the seven were released in late June and the UN was trying to secure the release of the remaining five.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5119918.stm "Two DR Congo peacekeepers freed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060708231348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5119918.stm |date=8 July 2006 }}, ''[[BBC]]'', 27 June 2006</ref> By November 2005, MONUC consisted of 16,561 uniformed troops. On 30 July 2006, MONUC forces were charged with keeping the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo general election, 2006|2006 general election]]—the first multiparty election in the DRC since 1960—peaceful and orderly. MONUC troops began patrolling areas of eastern DRC after armed clashes broke on 5 August following the chaotic collection of election results. The UN command is also arranging different training programs and competitions in Congo for both Congo and international forces. A similar shooting competition was held between troops from all international forces and was won by a Pakistani infantry battalion.

As of 31 October 2007, the total strength of the UN force was 18,407 uniformed personnel, including 16,661 troops; 735 [[United Nations Military Observer|military observers]]; and 1,011 police; supported by 931 international civilian personnel, 2,062 local civilian staff, and 585 [[United Nations Volunteers]]. By August 2024, in part through the closure of the UN bases in Southern Sector,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/monusco-ending-its-mission-south-kivu-after-more-20-years-of-service | title=MONUSCO ending its mission in South Kivu after more than 20 Years of Service }}</ref> the UN presence numbered 14,000 military personnel; 660 military observers; 591 police; and 1,050 personnel of formed police units.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/monusco | title=Monusco }}</ref>

As of August 2024, the UN has recorded a total of 444 fatalities among MONUC and MONUSCO personnel.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/fatalities | title=Fatalities }}</ref> MONUC fatalities (161 total) included 100 military personnel; 10 military observers; 6 UN police; 12 international civilians; and 33 local civilians. MONUSCO fatalities (283 total) includes 159 military personnel; 3 military observers; 18 UN police; 28 international civilians; and 71 local civilians.<ref>https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/stats_by_mission_appointment_type_3_102_august_2024.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=May 2025}}</ref>

===Staff and forces===
On 31 October 2007 MONUC had a total of 18,407 uniformed personnel, including 16,661 troops, 735 [[United Nations Military Observer|military observers]], 1,011 police, who were supported by 931 international civilian personnel, 2,062 local civilian staff and 585 [[United Nations Volunteers]]. As of June 2022, major troop contributors, in order of total number of military personnel are [[Pakistan]], [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[South Africa]], [[Nepal]], [[Indonesia]], and [[Morocco]] (nearly 10,000).

On 20 November 2008, the [[United Nations Security Council]] voted unanimously to reinforce MONUC with 3,085 more peacekeepers to deal with trouble in the [[2008 Nord-Kivu conflict]].<ref name="CNN300"/> They voted after 44 organizations, led by the [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (France)|French Foreign Ministry]], petitioned the council to send reinforcements to stabilize the region.<ref name="CNNCoalition"/>

{{As of|2011|8|31}} MONUSCO forces included 19,084 uniformed personnel, out of which 16,998 were military personnel, 743 were military observers and 1,343 were police (including formed units). In addition the forces included 983 international civilian personnel, 2,828 local civilian staff and 600 UN volunteers.<ref>{{cite web  |url=https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/monusco/facts.shtml  |title=MONUSCO Facts and Figures – United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  |work=un.org  |access-date=16 October 2011  |archive-date=15 October 2011  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015002326/http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/monusco/facts.shtml  |url-status=live  }}</ref>

====Command staff====
[[File:MONUSCO Ml-24 flight reconnaissance in North Kivu.jpg|thumb|Ukraine aviation unit flight reconnaissance mission over North Kivu]]
The names of the MONUSCO command staff are as follows:
* In January 2021, [[Bintou Keita]] was appointed to lead MONUSCO and to be the [[UN Secretary General]]'s Special Representative to the DRC.<ref name=onorg>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-14|title=Ms. Bintou Keita of Guinea - Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)|url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/personnel-appointments/2021-01-14/ms-bintou-keita-of-guinea-special-representative-of-the-secretary-general-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-head-of-the-un-organization|access-date=2021-07-02|website=United Nations Secretary-General|language=en|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801050743/https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/personnel-appointments/2021-01-14/ms-bintou-keita-of-guinea-special-representative-of-the-secretary-general-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-head-of-the-un-organization|url-status=live}}</ref> 
** 2018–21: [[Leila Zerrougui]] ({{ALG}})
** 2015–17: [[Maman Sambo Sidikou]] ({{NIG}})<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/monusco/leadership.shtml|title=MONUSCO Leadership – United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo|work=un.org|access-date=14 February 2015|archive-date=14 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214143714/http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/monusco/leadership.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
** 2013–15: [[Martin Kobler]] ({{GER}})
** 2010–13: [[Roger A. Meece]] ({{USA}})
** 2007–10: [[Alan Doss]] ({{GRB}})
** 2003–07: [[William L. Swing]] ({{USA}})
** 2001–03: [[Amos Namanga Ngongi]] ({{CMR}})
** 1999–2001: [[Kamel Morjane]] ({{TUN}})
* Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General: [[Abdallah Wafy]] ({{NIG}})
* Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General: [[Kim Bolduc]] ({{CAN}})<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sga1768.doc.htm|title=Secretary-General Appoints Kim Bolduc of Canada Deputy Special Representative, United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo {{!}} Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|website=www.un.org|language=en|access-date=2018-12-04|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709215203/https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sga1768.doc.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Force Commander: Lieutenant General [[Derrick Mgwebi]] ({{RSA}})
* Police Commissioner: Général [[Pascal Champion]] ({{FRA}})

== Contributing countries ==
{{As of|2025|02|28}}, the total number of personnel in the mission is 11,774:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Troop and police contributors |url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=United Nations Peacekeeping |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630060533/https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/contributors/2013/jun13_5.pdf |title=UN Mission's Contributions by Country |date=30 June 2013 |publisher=Page 5, UN |access-date=17 July 2013 |archive-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913181726/http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/contributors/2013/jun13_5.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://kitekinto.hu/afrika/2012/06/04/magyar_katonak_kuzdelme_afrikai_hadurakkal/#.UiTGc9LWVlk Magyar katonák küzdelme afrikai hadurakkal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501071559/http://kitekinto.hu/afrika/2012/06/04/magyar_katonak_kuzdelme_afrikai_hadurakkal/#.UiTGc9LWVlk |date=1 May 2016 }}. Kitekinto.hu. Retrieved 4 September 2013.</ref>
{{Image frame 
 | caption= {{legend|darkblue|Troop Contributions (Total)}}
 | pos=top <!-- This is the position of the caption -->
 |  align = center
 | content = {{Graph:Chart
 | width=700
 | height=200
 | xAxisTitle=Country
 | yAxisTitle=Troop numbers
 | type=rect
 | showSymbols=
 | colors=DarkBlue, gold, DarkRed
 | xAxisAngle=-50
 | showValues=offset:5, fontcolor:DarkRed
 | x=Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, China, Ivory Coast, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia
Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Zambia, Zimbabwe
 | y=2, 1827, 1, 31, 0, 5, 3, 26, 23, 10, 17, 12, 229, 29, 2, 2, 25, 357, 5, 5, 27, 155, 27, 2040, 1051, 3, 220, 267, 1, 747, 6, 27, 2, 923, 1163, 25, 7, 1, 1975, 7, 6, 2, 2, 23, 19, 444, 1, 2, 952, 4, 2, 866, 28, 37, 9, 265, 6, 3, 828, 6, 3, 
}}
}}
{{Table alignment}}
{| class="wikitable sortable col5right"
<!-- Note: The use of the template "sum" is to make it easier to track that the correct figures have been used in the case of updates -->
|-
! scope="col" style="width:160px;" |Country
! scope="col" style="width:100px;" |Police
! scope="col" style="width:100px;" |Experts
! scope="col" style="width:100px;" |Troops and staff officers
!Total
|-
| {{ALG}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |0
|2
|-
| {{BAN}}
| align="center" |183
| align="center" |5
| align="center" |1756
|{{sum|183|5|1756}}
|-
| {{BEN}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |4
|{{sum|3|4}}
|-
| {{BHU}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
|1
|-
| {{BOL}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |0
|1
|-
| {{BWA}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |2
|2
|-
| {{BRA}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |12
|{{sum|1|12}}
|-
| {{BFA}}
| align="center" |19
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |0
|{{sum|19|1}}
|-
| {{CMR}}
| align="center" |12
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|12
|-
| {{CAN}}
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |8
|{{sum|3|8}}
|-
| {{TCD}}
| align="center" |19
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|19
|-
| {{CHN}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |6
| align="center" |7
|{{sum|6|7}}
|-
| {{CIV}}
| align="center" |17
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|17
|-
| {{CZE}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |0
|1
|-
| {{DJI}}
| align="center" |21
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|21
|-
| {{EGY}}
| align="center" |190
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |5
|{{sum|190|1|5}}
|-
| {{FRA}}
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |3
|{{sum|2|3}}
|-
| {{GAM}}
| align="center" |8
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |2
|{{sum|8|2}}
|-
| {{GHA}}
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |8
| align="center" |7
|{{sum|3|8|7}}
|-
| {{GTM}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |183
|{{sum|1|183}}
|-
| {{IND}}
| align="center" |159
| align="center" |8
| align="center" |1098
|{{sum|159|8|1098}}
|-
| {{IDN}}
| align="center" |9
| align="center" |5
| align="center" |1028
|{{sum|9|5|1028}}
|-
| {{JOR}}
| align="center" |11
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |137
|{{sum|11|1|137}}
|-
| {{KEN}}
| align="center" |5
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |395
|{{sum|5|2|395}}
|-
| {{MWI}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |744
|{{sum|1|744}}
|-
| {{MYS}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |5
|{{sum|3|5}}
|-
| {{MLI}}
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|20
|-
| {{MAR}}
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |924
|{{sum|2|3|924}}
|-
| {{NPL}}
| align="center" |5
| align="center" |8
| align="center" |979
|{{sum|5|8|979}}
|-
| {{NER}}
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |2
|{{sum|20|1|2}}
|-
| {{NGA}}
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |1
|{{sum|3|1|1}}
|-
| {{PAK}}
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |10
| align="center" |361
|{{sum|3|10|361}}
|-
| {{PRY}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |3
|{{sum|3|3}}
|-
| {{PER}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |2
|2
|-
| {{RUS}}
| align="center" |10
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |2
|{{sum|10|2|2}}
|-
| {{SEN}}
| align="center" |548
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |11
|{{sum|548|1|11}}
|-
| {{SLE}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
|1
|-
| {{ZAF}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1086
|1086
|-
| {{SWE}}
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|3
|-
| {{CHE}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |1
|1
|-
| {{TZA}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://monusco.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?ctl=Details&tabid=10662&mid=14594&ItemID=19903 |title=Last batch of Tanzanian troops now in Goma for the Force Intervention Brigade |date=12 June 2013 |publisher=MONUSCO |access-date=17 July 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203043730/http://monusco.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?ctl=Details&tabid=10662&mid=14594&ItemID=19903 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align="center" |18
| align="center" |1
| align="center" |856
|{{sum|18|1|856}}
|-
| {{TGO}}
| align="center" |9
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|9
|-
| {{TUN}}
| align="center" |23
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |7
|{{sum|23|2|7}}
|-
| {{TUR}}
| align="center" |5
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
|5
|-
| {{GBR}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |3
|3
|-
| {{USA}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |3
|3
|-
| {{URY}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |4
| align="center" |704
|{{sum|4|704}}
|-
| {{ZMB}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |0
|2
|-
| {{ZWE}}
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |0
| align="center" |3
|3
|-
! Totals
! align="center" |1334
! align="center" |89
! align="center" |10351
!{{sum|1334|89|10351}}
|}

===Civilians===
International civilian employees and volunteers, and DRC [[Nationality|nationals]]: 2,636
* [[United Nations|International employees]]: 816
* United Nations volunteers: 482
* [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DRC]] nationals: 1,338

== Criminal activity ==
In 2007 and 2008, in several news and TV reports, the BBC published own evidence about Pakistani MONUC peacekeepers in [[Mongbwalu]] had entered in a gold-for-guns trading relationship with [[Nationalist and Integrationist Front]] (FNI) militia leaders, eventually drawing Congolese army officers and Indian traders from [[Kenya]] into the deal.<ref>BBC News: UN troops 'traded gold for guns' 23 May 2007, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6681457.stm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017221607/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6681457.stm |date=17 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>BBC Panorama: Mission Impossible, 28 Apr 2008, http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00b4d3j {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417051700/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00b4d3j |date=17 April 2019 }}</ref> Following its own investigations, the UN concluded that there was no involvement of Pakistani peacekeeper in any such trade relationship. Namely Human Rights Watch harshly criticized the UN for the way it handled the investigation, providing detailed information from several UN documents, arguing that serious allegations of wrongdoing by Pakistani peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo were ignored, minimized or shelved by the UN's Organization of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).<ref>Human Rights Watch: UN: Tackle Wrongdoing by Peacekeepers, May 1, 2008 https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/05/01/un-tackle-wrongdoing-peacekeepers {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414163331/https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/05/01/un-tackle-wrongdoing-peacekeepers |date=14 April 2017 }}</ref>

MONUC officials say nothing of substance about mining in Congo, which proceeds in parallel with the bloodletting, arms trading and extortion. For example, Anvil Mining has been involved in massacres in DRC.<ref name="times" /> Anvil directors include former U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Brown, who served at U.S. embassies in Brussels, Kinshasa, Congo-Brazzaville and South Africa. Brown was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa (1987–1989) under [[George Shultz]] and George H. W. Bush and Director of Central African Affairs (1980–1981). Brown succeeded William Lacy Swing—head of MONUC in DRC—as Ambassador to the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). Meanwhile, the former top internal intelligence and security chief of the United Nations Observer's Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) has been worked for Anvil mining in Katanga since 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allthingspass.com/uploads/html-240Five%20Million%20Dead%20in%20Congo%20Jan%202008%20%5B4%5D.htm |title=Over Five Million Dead in Congo? Fifteen Hundred People Daily? Behind the Numbers Redux: How Truth is Hidden, Even When it Seems to Be Told |author=Keith Harmon Snow |date=30 January 2008 |website=allthingspass.com |access-date=9 July 2022 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130174752/http://allthingspass.com/uploads/html-240Five%20Million%20Dead%20in%20Congo%20Jan%202008%20%5B4%5D.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

There have been numerous cases of sexual misconduct by UN peacekeeping forces in the Congo.<ref name=":2" /> This has been acknowledged by the UN itself (such as the letter of 24 March 2005 from the Secretary-General to the President of the General Assembly).

==See also==
* [[Ituri conflict]]
* [[Kivu conflict]]
* [[Second Congo War]]
* [[United Nations Operation in the Congo]]
* [[2023 DRC anti-MONUSCO protests]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* [[Séverine Autesserre]], ''The Trouble with the Congo: Local Violence and the Failure of International Peacebuilding"', Cambridge University Press, 2010. {{ISBN|9780521156011}}
* Joshua Kucera, "Rough Ride: UN Forces face Tough Challenges restoring stability in the DRC", [[Jane's Defence Weekly]], 13 September 2006
* Miller, Eric, "The Inability of Peacekeeping to Address the Security Dilemma," 2010. {{ISBN|978-3-8383-4027-2}}
* Shabbir Ahsan, ''The peacekeeper'', 2007. {{ISBN|978-0-595-46896-6}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|commons =Category:United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo |wikt=no | q=no| b=no | n=no |s=no | v=no | voy=no | species=no |d=Q1501987 | display=MONUSCO}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040925083746/http://www.monuc.org/ Official site]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040922140037/http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/ UN MONUC site]
* [http://vayu-sena.tripod.com/other-unops1.html Indian Air Force in MONUC]
* [https://foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4869&print=1 Foreign Policy: Prime numbers – Soldiers of Misfortune -Mai/June 2009 issue]

{{United Nations}}
{{UN Peacekeeping Operations}}
{{Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Nations}}
{{Armed groups in the Congo wars}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:MONUSCO}}
[[Category:Military history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:Ituri conflict]]
[[Category:Politics of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:Second Congo War]]
[[Category:United Nations operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:United Nations Security Council mandates]]
[[Category:Military operations involving India]]
[[Category:Pakistan military presence in other countries]]
[[Category:United Nations Military Observers|Congo, Democratic Republic]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations]]