The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO, is facing growing criticism following reports that it has released FARDC soldiers and FDLR militiamen who had sought refuge at its bases after the fall of Goma to M23 rebels.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing two military trucks transporting the released personnel to Rumangabo, a strategic military location in North Kivu.
The move has drawn concern from local observers and rebel forces alike, with accusations that MONUSCO is overstepping its peacekeeping mandate by indirectly facilitating military operations against the M23.
Sources indicate that MONUSCO is currently hosting approximately four battalions of FARDC troops within its eastern Congo bases.
Among them are senior officers, including generals and colonels, who reportedly took shelter in UN facilities after government forces lost control of key territories in North Kivu.
The M23 rebel group has accused MONUSCO of coordinating joint attacks in Goma and Bukavu involving FARDC and FDLR forces.
These allegations stem in part from the presence of FDLR combatants within MONUSCO-protected zones.
So far, MONUSCO has not publicly responded to the claims or provided clarification regarding its decision to house and later release the combatants.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on the UN mission, which has long been criticized for its effectiveness and impartiality in the region.
Analysts say the situation undermines MONUSCO’s neutrality and could further inflame tensions in the already volatile eastern Congo.
As the conflict between M23 and Congolese government forces continues to escalate, calls are growing for an independent investigation into MONUSCO’s role and adherence to its peacekeeping mandate.
The situation remains fluid, with no official comment yet from MONUSCO headquarters.
