The mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to protect civilians and stabilise the region is constrained by operational limitations, regional fragmentation and political complexities. As violence between the national army and armed groups escalates and regional political tensions rise, this policy brief calls for a mandate reassessment. The emphasis should be on flexibility, better regional cooperation, clear transition benchmarks, and stronger support for local forces.

About the authors

Remadji Hoinathy is a Senior Researcher on Central Africa and the Lake Chad Basin at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

Nirvaly Mooloo is a Research Officer on Central Africa and the Lake Chad Basin at the ISS.

Philippe Asanzi is an ISS Research Consultant and Associate Professor at Université Pédagogique National in Kinshasa.