BBC: UN to reduce DR Congo peace force

UN to reduce DR Congo peace force

Page last updated at 15:15 GMT, Friday, 28 May 2010 16:15 UK

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UN forces will remain in DR Congo until June 2011

The UN Security Council has voted to authorise the withdrawal of up to 2,000 peacekeepers from the Democratic Republic of Congo by 30 June.

However, it has delayed a decision on the full withdrawal of its 20,500-strong force, as sought by Congolese President Joseph Kabila, to next year.

The 15-member body unanimously adopted a resolution to withdraw the troops "where the security situation permits".

It also decided to retain a UN presence in DR Congo until 30 June 2011.

The force, known as Monuc, will be renamed UN Organization Stabilization Mission in DR Congo - or Monusco - from 1 July.

The resolution allows it to comprise up to 19,815 military personnel, 760 military observers, 391 police personnel and 1,050 personnel of formed police units.

Peacekeepers arrived in DR Congo in 1999, initially to deal with the nationwide civil war.

Since the end of the conflict in 2003, they have been dealing with the various militias which have been looting the rich mineral resources in the east of the country.

Most of them have now either been disarmed, absorbed by the Congolese army or reduced to gangs of armed bandits.

Mr Kabila believes national security forces can deal with the remaining problems and has indicated he wants UN troops out by the end of 2011.