NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Congo’s president wants the world’s second largest United Nations peacekeeping force to move up its departure from the country, starting this December, saying it has failed to rein in conflicts in the country's east.
After a quarter-century of peacekeeping efforts, “it’s time for our country to take its destiny fully in hand” and become the leading security force in Congo, he said.
Eastern Congo, far from the capital, has long been overrun by dozens of armed groups seeking a share of the region’s gold and other resources.
A separate East African regional force is also present in eastern Congo but has seen protests as well.
A visit by Pope Francis to eastern Congo planned for early this year was cancelled because of the worsening security situation there.
Persons:
—, Felix, Antoine Tshisekedi, “, Pope Francis
Organizations:
United Nations, Wednesday
Locations:
NAIROBI, Kenya, Congo, Eastern Congo, Congolese, Goma