As security worsens, Congolese civilians call for the evacuation of foreign forces and Burundi

The immediate departure of foreign military personnel, including as MONUSCO, the Burundi National Defense personnel (FNDB), and the SAMIDRC soldiers, was demanded by DR Congolese civilians on Monday, February 17, as part of a new round of demonstrations.

Instead of reducing crime and safeguarding innocent residents, the protesters who crowded the streets of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, claim that the army’ ongoing presence is making matters worse.

On the streets of Goma, which was just taken over by the M23, hundreds of demonstrators were spotted chanting and brandishing banners with French and Swahili text demanding the withdrawal of foreign troops.

“Tatizo letu litatatuliwa na sisi Wacongomani wenyewe” is one of the messages that reads, “Our problem will be solved by us Congolese ourselves.”

Protesters contend that rather than maintaining security, the military deployments have incited and sparked persecution, relocation, theft, and abuse.

Protesters claimed that the presence of bases within MONUSCO camps by the Congolese army and its alliance had rendered the adjacent districts dangerous.

“The safety of civilians in MONUSCO camps is being threatened by the FARDC forces there. In order for the people to enjoy security, we are requesting that they leave these camps right away,” one poster said.

“MONUSCO is not working.”

Through their placards, demonstrators expressed their belief that MONUSCO, which was first sent in to keep the peace, has fallen short of its goal and is now contributing to the issue.

“We also request that the SAMIDRC forces, the Burundian army (FNDB), and MONUSCO return to their respective countries,” said another protest placard.

Many demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with President Félix Tshisekedi, claiming that he has failed to bring about peace in the nation, in addition to calling for the removal of troops.

The protesters maintain that the problem has only become worse due to outside influences and that his leadership has failed to resolve the ongoing dispute.

Originally established to counter armed insurgencies, MONUSCO and regional military coalitions are today perceived by many Congolese as a major factor to protracted instability.

This is not the first time that DR Congolese civilians have demonstrated against foreign initiatives that have failed to bring peace to the country’s eastern region.

In 2021, a Congolese army coalition composed of the FDLR, a terrorist militia based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that was established by the surviving masterminds of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi, along with over 10,000 Burundian troops, 1,600 European mercenaries, and South Africa-led SADC forces, began fighting the M23 rebels.

The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a broader rebel group formed in December 2023, currently includes M23.