Amanda Hensiak
Committee: Special Political and Decolonization
Topic: Peacekeeping in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Belgium
Beginning in the late 19th century to the mid 1900’s, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was under Belgian rule in hope for colonial expansion around the Congo basin. However, the Congo has been under political turmoil with protesters and massacres since their break away from Belgium to this day. Nonetheless, debates have been called to order as well as formal meetings to increase these relations. In spite of that, efforts are in place from Belgium and the EU in hopes to reduced these practices.
While the DRC is in disturbance and destruction with at least 680 people killed in a series of massacres since 2014 (HRW), a sense of guilt has been left for Belgium to have over their heads. The country wants to help out the DRC and to increase relations with the current president. Taking action with the UN, a resolution was signed known as the Security Council Resolution 2348 in 2017. This will allow 16,215 military personnel, 391 police and 1,050 formed police units, which is lower than the previous mandate back in 2016, also known as the Security Council Resolution 2277, and only allowed 19,815 personnel (MONUSCO). This is restating the previous resolutions since 2013 and will continue with reaffirming sovereignty and independence of the DRC.
Belgium is willing to review their relations with the Congo if the current president doesn’t step down. Belgium and the DRC had a bilateral agreement that Kabila would step down from his position as the president. Now, there is fear that there will be unrest throughout the Congo. As stated by the Belgian government, "As there is no inclusive agreement, relations between Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo will be re-examined, with the greatest circumspection for any new engagement with the current authorities" (Williams). Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister andMinister of Foreign Affairs, recently released a statement about Belgium supporting the population the DRC. Overall, they will increase humanitarian aid this year to 25 million EUR (Decroo).
Despite their past with the Congo, Belgium still wants to support the population as well as prevent the crisis. Humanitarian aid will still go into effect, and the bilateral cooperation agreement will go into effect after formal and fair elections have been made.
Williams, R. A. (2016, December 20). Belgium says it will 're-examine' relations with Democratic
Republic of Congo after Kabila fails to step down. Retrieved March 05, 2018, from
Belgium remains committed to support the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
(2018, January 10). Retrieved March 05, 2018, from
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