NDP Statement on Canada’s withdrawal from the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo

NDP critic for Foreign Affairs Heather McPherson issued the following statement :

"The escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - already one of the most serious crises in the world – is alarming and requires increased engagement from Canada.

Canada’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) could put civilians in DRC at further risk of violence. Civilians rely on the UN to keep them safe. However, we also understand the risks to Canadians given recent killings of peacekeepers, and are urging Canada to continue support for MONUSCO where it can, and return physical presence to the mission when possible.

It is worth noting that this decision comes within the context of Canada’s declining peacekeeping presence in UN peace operations and broken promises from the Liberals regarding levels of engagement. The eight Canadian personnel in this mission represent the second-largest Canadian deployment – far below the Liberal government’s promised levels.

Just like Trump, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has promised to cut foreign aid, abandoning vulnerable and traumatized people around the world. An NDP government would establish a Canadian rapid-reaction UN peacekeeping force to meet Canada’s commitments and address emerging conflicts that threaten international security.

Given Canada’s withdrawal from this peace operation, we are asking the government to increase its efforts to end the violence in DRC by taking the following actions:

Support United Nations and African Union efforts to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in the region;

Set up an emergency relief fund for the DRC with matching funds to trusted partners in the region;

Call on the Rwandan government to respect Congolese sovereignty and cease its well-documented support for the M23"