1.        Genesis.   The first UN Mission (ONUC) ensured integration of DR Congo. However, the country continued to be plagued by corrupt autocratic regimes and ineffective administration. This led to wide spread poverty and lack of development in most parts of the country. Armed secessionist groups increased over a period and sought to control the mineral rich areas of the country in East and South. The secessionist groups were supported by neighboring countries for economic and political reasons. The internal dissensions in the Congolese Army and fighting within the country culminated in a war with active involvement of foreign armies, in 1999. The conflict resulted in large humanitarian crises with displacement of large proportion of the population. The UN Security Council negotiated a peace agreement between the various countries to cease hostilities and ensure peace. UN established a mission to monitor the withdrawal of foreign forces and ensure political stability.

2.       Contribution.    India was the largest contributor of troops and contributed one Infantry Brigade Group with four Infantry Battalion Groups, Aviation Flight, Field Hospital, other supporting elements, Staff Officers and Observers. The Indian Air Force also contributed Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters. The Indian Contingents were actively involved in opening of important axes of communication, conduct of targeted offensive operations and protection of important towns. The Indian Contingents effectively brought peace and stability in their area of operations by extensive area domination and patrols. The training and integration of Congolese Forces was effectively carried out to enhance the capacities of the host nation. With the successful conduct of elections and transition to stable government, the mission underwent a change to a stabilization mission (current mission).