MONUSCO and right to security in the Democratic Republic of Congo : A case of Ituri Province

Abstract

This study investigated the successes, challenges and failures in the protection of the right to security by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). The objectives of the study were: 1) to examine the MONUSCO’s mandate in enhancing the right to security; 2) to assess the MONUSCO’s achievements in protecting the right to security; 3) to explore the respondent’s MONUSCO perceptions on the right to security; and 4) to identify challenges faced by MONUSCO in the protection of the right to security. The study utilized a case study design: it provides an in-depth analysis of a particular contextual setting and a greater explanatory power of quantitative data. This research was qualitative the researcher wanted to analyse the respondents’ perception on MONUSCO, and acknowledge the opinion leaders point of view, and that of scholars, civil society chairpersons, plus the MONUSCO’s officials, especially in regarded to the human rights departments. When analysing the findings, the researcher evaluated the change that happened MONUSCO’s arrival right up to the time of this study. This study was conducted in the Ituri Province. A total of 64 respondents including participants from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) participated in the study. The study findings indicate that MONUSCO has been instrumental in supporting the DRC government in the capacity building of the national army, and enforcement of peace in the Ituri region addressing the root causes of conflicts, and promoting mitigation effort, and the resolution of inter and intra community conflicts. Through its civil affairs department, MONUSCO promotes constructive dialogue and peaceful cohabitation. Furthermore, MONUSCO reinforces the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) operational capacities in the context of the fight against armed groups in Ituri. The study concludes that insecurity in the Ituri Province was perceived to be more aligned to concepts on ‘mining’ and ‘conflict financing, which have been closely linked to the DRC conflict analyses over the past 20 years. However, the conflicts and conflict financing have changed considerably in the region over the past twenty years. Most armed groups in eastern DRC arose due to ideological or security reasons: leaning about often ‘self-defence’ from other armed groups or ethnic communities that are perceived as a threat. Exploitation of natural resources, especially gold, provides economic sustenance opportunities for many armed groups. The MONUSCO should, thus support the government to resume dialogue with militias in the Ituri province that have already expressed willingness to surrender under the right conditions; and more importantly, MONUSCO must prepare a peaceful hand over to FARDC.