UN Security Council renews mandate of peacekeeping force in Congo for another year

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN Security Council on Friday renewed the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for another year.

The resolution, penned by France, extends MONUSCO's mandate until Dec. 20, 2026.

It garnered unanimous support with all 15 Council members voting in favor.

"France has striven to take into account the positions of all Council members to achieve a consensus-based outcome," French envoy to the UN Jerome Bonnafont said before the vote. "

The text reflects, but recalls the fact that restrictions on the freedom of movement of MONUSCO and the exercise of its mandate are unacceptable," he said, urging the Council to "stand ready to act if these restrictions are to continue."

He also said that "today's vote is an important milestone for MONUSCO, which can only bear fruit based on tangible progress on the ground in light of the gravity and the urgent nature of the situation."

Established in 2010, MONUSCO is mandated to protect civilians, support the Congolese government in stabilizing conflict-affected areas and assist in efforts to disarm armed groups, while also supporting humanitarian assistance and the promotion of human rights, according to the UN.