Calm down, the situation is hopeless - A few commonplaces on the DRC conflict (Xavier Zeebroek)

There is an emergency situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: North Kivu has been at fight for two months. Rebels are surrounding Goma. The Blue Helmets Force Commander resigned. The UN Special Representative is calling for more troops and the Europeans are reluctant to intervene militarily. After the Congolese army disband and a new massive displacement of population, time has come for wild fear, bitter critics and definitive statements made by angry and disappointed Congolese but also sometimes relayed by knowledgeable experts and high standard media.

The United Nations Mission in Congo: the laboratory of missing peace. (Xavier Zeebroek)

For better or for worse, the history of the Congolese conflict and the history of the United Nations Mission in the Congo have been enmeshed since 1999. Throughout its history MONUC has been a laboratory for peace but after nearly ten years in the field, peace is nowhere to be found. This report therefore discusses the success and failure of the United Nations in DRC.

In terms of successes, the holding of presidential, general and regional elections should be noted, although local elections have not yet been held. Security has improved in most of the country and robust operations have made it possible to convince some rebel chiefs to hand in their weapons. This has not, however, prevented the FARDC from suffering a series of military disappointments at the hands of Kivu rebels ...