With the campaign for the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 20 in full swing, the conflict has taken center stage. Seeking another term in office, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi launched his campaign with a fiery speech accusing neighboring Rwanda of destabilizing eastern parts of the country. In a speech to the UN General Assembly in September, Tshisekedi called for an accelerated withdrawal of the 15,000 peacekeepers. The UN mission in the region has often caused tensions amongst the local population, with protests against MONUSCO and others at times turning deadly. While no firm timeline has been announced, observers say it is unlikely to accelerate the withdrawal before the current election cycle is completed.
