The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo and head of MONUSCO, James Swan, has reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC.
Swan made the remarks following a visit to Goma in North Kivu Province, where he held a series of engagements with political and security stakeholders involved in peace initiatives in the region.
During his visit, he met representatives of the AFC coalition and the M23, as well as officials from the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism responsible for monitoring ceasefire compliance.
He emphasized the need for stronger coordination among the various diplomatic tracks currently aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Congo, highlighting ongoing initiatives including talks in Washington and Doha, alongside mediation efforts led by the African Union.
Swan said MONUSCO remains committed to supporting the implementation of these peace processes, particularly through the protection of civilians and efforts to reduce violence in conflict-affected areas.
He also held internal meetings with MONUSCO staff and other United Nations personnel based in Goma, where discussions focused on the evolving security, political and humanitarian situation on the ground.
The exchanges further reviewed operational priorities, including humanitarian response and efforts to contain Ebola outbreaks in affected communities, amid continuing insecurity linked to armed group activity in eastern DRC.
