Panel 4: Redefining Trust in Aid: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have critiqued the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (MONUSCO) for their failure in protecting civilians from militia violence. After more than a decade, the UN Mission continues to face challenges including widespread mistrust from the civilian population. The operational environment in eastern DRC is further complicated by plans for an East African Regional Force to mediate, leaving ambiguity for the future of MONUSCO. States who fund the missions, along with TCC’s and states supporting MONUSCO politically, must quickly work to rebuild trust, and to pursue new forms of basic assistance.

This panel would look at the simmering tensions in DRC, address the relationship between UN humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping operations, and discuss methodologies to rebuild trust in UN operations in DRC and beyond.