DRC: FRN says MONUSCO mandate renewal has “no basis” and its record is a “total failure”

The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel movement led by Joseph Kabila, opposes renewing MONUSCO’s mandate and wants its withdrawal to continue. In Goma on November 3, FRN vice-president Bertrand Bisimwa told a UN delegation led by MONUSCO chief James Swan that the mission’s 28-year record was, in the movement’s view, a “total failure.” The FRN said MONUSCO’s logistical support role in verifying the ceasefire under the Doha peace process should not be used to redeploy troops to South Kivu. Bisimwa also accused the mission of failing to protect civilians during abuses in Uvira.