Behind the Bastards - Episode: It Could Happen Here Weekly 172 Release Date: March 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of It Could Happen Here Weekly, host Mary Kay McBrayer engages in an in-depth discussion with John Cameron Mitchell, a retired officer from the Irish Defence Forces and author of A Life Less Ordinary. The conversation centers around the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on the recent capture of Goma by M23 rebels and the broader implications for UN peacekeeping missions.

Background on the Congo Conflict

Mary Kay McBrayer provides context by highlighting the recent takeover of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, by M23 rebels, noting the severe human cost:

[04:20] McBrayer: "It's a city of about a million people. I believe they're saying around 3,000 people have been killed in this operation."

John Cameron Mitchell elaborates on the historical tensions and the significant death toll resulting from the conflict:

[06:19] Mitchell: "In early 1960, there was an engagement between an Irish platoon and a large group of Beluba tribesmen... nine Irish soldiers killed and 26 Beluba's killed. And that was the first time that Ireland kind of had to deal with that kind of death overseas."

Evolution of UN Peacekeeping Missions in Congo

The discussion delves into the history and transformation of UN missions in the Congo:

Mitchell outlines the inception of UN peacekeeping in Congo in 1960 with MONUC, later evolving into MONUSCO and eventually MINUSCO:

[09:12] Mitchell: "MINUSCO is what we call an integrated mission... combining military presence with advisors on justice, policing, and governance."

He emphasizes the shift from traditional peacekeeping to a more multifaceted approach aimed at restoring rule of law, protecting civilians, and facilitating long-term recovery:

[10:07] Mitchell: "The three pillars of an integrated mission are the restoration of the rule of law, the protection of civilians, and the provision for long-term recovery and democratic governance."

The Force Intervention Brigade (FIB): Mandate and Challenges

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Force Intervention Brigade, a unique component of MINUSCO with offensive capabilities.

Mitchell explains the rationale behind the FIB's formation:

[16:50] Mitchell: "The concept was to include an offensive capability for UN troops... Defence Intervention Brigade would do the heavy lifting, and then deploy rapidly to hotspots."

He discusses the operational successes, such as the swift retaking of Goma:

[18:54] Mitchell: "They retook Goma in less than a month, which was a significant achievement."

However, he also highlights internal challenges, particularly differing agendas among Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), which hindered the brigade's sustained effectiveness:

[19:59] Mitchell: "So, there’s friction or it's not as efficient as it could be when TCCs have different missions."

Regional and International Factors Influencing the Conflict

The conversation shifts to the broader regional dynamics, notably Rwanda's involvement:

Mitchell delves into Rwanda's historical and ongoing role in supporting M23 and exploiting Congo's mineral wealth:

[12:12] Mitchell: "Rwanda has always projected force into the two Kivos... They are actively supporting M23."

He underscores the economic motivations behind the conflict, pointing to Congo's vast mineral deposits:

[13:35] Mitchell: "We’re talking about Congo having an estimated $23 trillion in mineral deposits."

Current Situation and Humanitarian Impact

As the M23 rebels advance, MINUSCO faces logistical challenges, leading to the relocation and evacuation of staff:

[10:38] Mitchell: "With the M23 Rebel advance, the mission is relocating most of its staff, evacuating others."

McBrayer relates the dire circumstances faced by civilians in Goma, emphasizing the repeated attacks and the city's vulnerability:

[15:55] McBrayer: "This is the fifth time that people have attacked Goma... it's been around 64 years."

Challenges Ahead: Future of Peacekeeping and Global Implications

The discussion concludes with reflections on the future of UN peacekeeping in the face of global geopolitical shifts, including the United States' increasing isolationism:

Mitchell presents alternatives to UN peacekeeping, citing African-led missions but expresses skepticism about their ability to match UN's integrated approach:

[25:57] Mitchell: "Europe and the US shouldn't be dictating how Africans govern themselves... There's so much vested interest."

McBrayer and Mitchell ponder the sustainability of peacekeeping missions amid dwindling international support:

[30:13] Mitchell: "Ideally, African problems should be solved by African nations... but it goes back to money."

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Historical Context Matters: Understanding the deep-rooted historical conflicts and external influences is crucial for tackling current issues.

• Complexity of Peacekeeping: Modern peacekeeping requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond mere military presence, integrating governance and civilian protection.

• Resource Exploitation Fuels Conflict: Congo's immense mineral wealth continues to be a significant driver of both internal and external conflicts.

• International Support is Fragile: The effectiveness and sustainability of peacekeeping missions are highly dependent on consistent and aligned international support, which is currently under strain due to geopolitical shifts.

Notable Quotes

• "The concept was to include an offensive capability for UN troops as opposed to defensive or separation of warring factions. This was full on war fighting."
  John Cameron Mitchell [16:50]

• "Congo in its entirety was back in 1960 because in 1960, after getting independence, the Kivu and Katanga wanted to secede. That's what kicked off a lot of the conflict."
  John Cameron Mitchell [13:58]

• "It's time for Lord Intervention Brigade to downsize and eventually leave because the country doesn't want us here anymore."
  John Cameron Mitchell [22:55]

Conclusion

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the role and challenges of UN peacekeeping missions, and the intricate interplay of regional and international factors. Through the expertise of John Cameron Mitchell, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of peacekeeping in conflict zones rich in natural resources, highlighting the need for sustained and cohesive international strategies to foster long-term stability and peace.