5. Conclusion This report focuses on perceptions of peace support missions in the DRC. The first part reviews the evolution of the UN presence in the DRC over the past 25 years. From MONUC to MONUSCO, it explains how UN missions have helped to stabilise the post-conflict DRC and support the establishment of democratic institutions. It also notes how failures to protect civilians cost the mission its reputation. These limitations were due in part to the political marginalisation of peacekeeping missions that occurs when they are in tension with the host governments, as demonstrated by the rocky relationship between MONUSCO and the Congolese government. In a second section, the report describes that despite many successes, the mission’s inability to protect civilians defined the Congolese public’s perception of the mission. The report concludes that three factors influence this perception: the impressive material presence of the mission, the duration of its stay, and the political exploitation by national actors. The report also questions the idea that regional forces offer a viable alternative to large-scale UN peacekeeping missions. The lack of transparency and questions of interests plague these missions. As diplomatic processes continue, it is worth considering the role that MONUSCO could play again in the DRC, despite the challenges outlined in this report. MONUSCO could soon be called upon to monitor a possible ceasefire, serve as an interposition force, and provide security for the population. On 25 April in Washington, D.C., the governments of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo committed to protecting, facilitating and promoting the capacity of MONUSCO and regional forces and mechanisms to act in accordance with their mandate, including, where appropriate, for an agreed verification mechanism and an interposition force to facilitate the implementation in good faith of these principles by participants and non-State armed groups. For this to be possible, MONUSCO will need to address its structural weaknesses and present a clear time-bound mandate. Only by doing so, can the mission avoid backlash from the weary Congolese public. The illusion of protection. Peace support missions in the DRC 17