Recalibrating MONUSCO: mandate limits vs. political realities in eastern DRC

MONUSCO remains crucial in the DRC, but needs a more flexible mandate that enables effective protection of civilians. 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.