M23 Rebels Seize Eastern Congo Town Amid UN Peacekeeping Withdrawal

Underfunded UN peacekeeping forces are withdrawing from the region, causing concerns about long-term stability as Congo prepares for elections.

M23 rebels have seized the town of Mushaki in eastern Congo, leading to mass displacement of residents.
The seizure comes as UN peacekeeping forces are withdrawing from the region due to underfunding and demands from African leaders.
The UN's peacekeeping budget of $5.5 billion is less than the New York Police Department’s $6.1 billion budget, despite having 30,000 more personnel.
The withdrawal of peacekeeping forces is causing concern about the long-term stability of the region, especially as Congo prepares for an election later this month.
The UN Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, defended the peacekeeping missions, stating they save lives for relatively little cost.