2,000 U.N. peacekeepers are withdrawing from eastern Congo in the first phase of MONUSCO's planned withdrawal. The mission, which faced criticism for its failure to protect civilians, is responding to a request from President Felix Tshisekedi. The withdrawal will involve phases in South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri provinces, with plans to continue the fight to protect the country's territorial interests after the withdrawal. The conflicts in Congo have displaced over 7 million people, primarily in the eastern provinces.

UN Troops Withdraw from Eastern Congo