Challenges and Opportunities Faced by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Fulfilling Its Mandate for Peace and Security in the DRC

Abstract

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been marred by protracted conflict, instability, and human suffering for decades. Studies on or and around United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo with respect to conflict, peace and security, portray shortcomings bordering on ineffectiveness. This presents a serious paradox and a question on conflict intervention by MONUSCO’s peace and security processes. The study objective was to evaluate challenges and opportunities faced by MONUSCO in fulfilling its mandate on peace and security processes in the DRC. The study explored Liberal Theory, Power Theory and Theory of Functionalism from which a conceptual model was drawn. The target population was 49,871 with a unit of analysis of 21,105 civilians comprising 5052 refugees, 4053 internally displaced persons and 12,000 local traders, 16,161 MONUSCO staff, 7,895 from major none governmental organizations (NGOs), and 4,710 from the political class, the rebel groups, and immigration. The study used random, stratified, snowball, and purposive sampling techniques to select 384 participants. The study was conducted in Eastern DRC. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, observation guides, and key informant interviews. Content analysis was done for all qualitative data; statistical data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study indicate that, MONUSCO’s key challenges include; persistent violence of attacks by armed groups, mistrust and limited cooperation from government and local authorities, and logistical difficulties in accessing remote areas. The study concluded that mistrust and dearth of cooperation, non-guaranteed protection of the civilian population, and weak governance institutions are the major problems facing MONUSCO in achieving its mandate. The study recommends supporting the establishment of local and international judicial mechanisms to investigate and prosecute war crimes and human rights abuses, by ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and encourage truth and reconciliation processes to address past injustices and promote healing within communities.