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Security Council renews mandate of UN mission in DRC amid rising political tensions

Xinhua, March 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Wednesday renewed the mandate of UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for one year until March 31, 2017 due to concerns about rising political tensions in the country ahead of elections.

In a unanimously-adopted resolution, the 15-nation Council decided that the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) will maintain its current troop level and its authorized troop ceiling of 19,815 military personnel, 760 military observers and staff officers, 391 police personnel, and 1,050 personnel of formed police units.

Last week, Maman Sidikou, head of MONUSCO told the Security Council that he counts on the Security Council's support to reduce an additional 1,700 military personnel from MONUSCO, in line with UN secretary-general's recommendation.

He insisted that the recommendation should be viewed as a "concrete step forward" in facilitating the strategic dialogue between the mission and the government with a view to achieving a common goal: the gradual and progressive exit of MONUSCO "that preserves the gains and investments made so far."

In the resolution, the most powerful UN body said it takes note of the recommendation and it will consider any further troop reduction once significant progress has been achieved on situation on the ground.

The DRC is at a critical juncture ahead of the country's presidential and legislative elections which are scheduled in November 2016. Sidikou said that credible political dialogue is needed to overcome the impasse in the electoral process.

The Security Council members called on the government of the DRC and its national partners to ensure a transparent, credible and timely electoral process.

Violence and abuses of human rights remain rampant in the country, especially in eastern DRC.

MONUSCO, set up in November 1999, boasts 18,618 total uniformed personnel. It is mandated to protect civilians as well as promoting the country's stability through establishing functional state institutions and supporting its electoral process. Enditem