Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023.
But its presence has become increasingly unpopular in recent years for what critics say is a failure to protect civilians against militia groups, sparking deadly protests.
"It is to be deplored that peacekeeping missions deployed for 25 years... have failed to cope with the rebellions and armed conflicts," Tshisekedi told the assembly in a speech.
More than 40 people were killed and dozens wounded in an army crackdown on violent anti-U.N. demonstrations in the eastern city of Goma last month.
Another protest in July 2022 resulted in more than 15 deaths, including three peacekeepers in Goma and the city of Butembo.
Persons:
Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Eduardo Munoz, Felix Tshisekedi, Tshisekedi, Ange Kasongo, Edward McAllister, Gerry Doyle
Organizations:
Democratic, General Assembly, REUTERS, Rights, United Nations, General, Central, of, Thomson
Locations:
Democratic Republic of Congo, New York City, U.S, Rights KINSHASA, Republic, Goma, Butembo