UN Security Council Approves Early Withdrawal of DR Congo Peacekeepers

The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to gradually withdraw its peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier than scheduled, despite ongoing concerns over violence. The decision comes as the DRC prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections, where poverty and insecurity are key issues. Congolese authorities have long accused the UN forces of failing to protect civilians from armed groups. The withdrawal of the 14,000 soldiers from the UN mission, known as MONUSCO, was called for by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, who is running for re-election.