Climate-security Nexus, Conflict Protraction and UN Peacekeeping: A Case of MONUSCO-DRC

Abstract

Framework on climate-security nexus establishes the non-traditional threat of climate change as a force of concern for national and state securities around the globe. More specifically, the nexus elaborates on outbreak and re-escalation of conflicts due to impacts of climate change, such as food and water insecurity, environmental/land degradation, spread of diseases, and resource scarcity etc. In Furtherance, climate change is expected to have deteriorated consequences for regions already trapped in cycles of violent conflict. In this case, while the conflict dynamics of DRC range from communal content, regional spill to resource extraction etc., the addition of climate change manifestations may add to the mix. Therefore, the first section of this research aims to explore impacts of climate change on conflict(s) of DRC. More specifically, it utilizes the Theory of Protraction of Social Conflict by Edward Azar, to investigate the conflict-sensitive environment of DRC, in context of climate change as an extension to protraction of conflicts in the near future. The second section of the research investigates the role of MONUSCO in intersection with climate change. While exploring climate change as cause of security concern for DRC, the research aims to investigate the character of MONUSCO in context to it across three dimensions. These dimensions are 1) The Ecological Footprint of MONUSCO: Operations and Policy 2) Impacts of Climate Change on MONUSCO Operations and desired End Results: Stabilization and Protection of Civilians 3) Role of MONUSCO in Climate Action for DRC. As of now, the mission is in a drawdown phase with UN agencies utilizing the triple nexus approach in cooperation with the government of DRC (Go DRC) and local communities etc., to learn how to manage the region without MONUSCO. However, it is highly likely that MONUSCO would maintain its presence in eastern DRC due to prevalence of insecurities. Therefore, prioritizing climate action in the mission mandate would bring it at par and coherence with the UN System. Moreover, it would contribute to exploring the evolution for the next generation of UN peace missions and the role they could undertake in response to climate-security threats. DRC holds immense global importance for climate action. The region is home to the world’s second largest rainforest, enriched with resources, flora and fauna of particular significance to the scientific community, including endangered wildlife species in need of protection, while also withholding the potential to provide renewable energy to the whole of the African continent. This research aims to highlight, stabilization in DRC would not be possible or everlasting, without implementation of climate change measures, in which MONUSCO needs to play a proactive role. In the realm of security, climate action for DRC is crucial not just for stabilization of the region but also for the entirety of the global community.