The Council’s decision came as a fragile political agreement struck at the new year unravels, with security deteriorating in several parts of the country. The spike in unrest drew international attention when the UN confirmed that two experts conducting research on mass graves in Kasai were found slain after being abducted with their Congolese colleagues just days before the Council’s vote.
The United States appears indifferent to the UN mission and may play a limited role if turmoil escalates.
Opposition splits could limit the salience of political violence while further fragmenting the security environment.
Unrest related to the political standoff is currently not affecting the main mining regions.
Chances for holding credible, inclusive and legitimate elections this year appear remote.
