Eastern DRC: UN mission stands ready to support ceasefire monitoring
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has reaffirmed its readiness to support ceasefire monitoring efforts in eastern DRC. This announcement follows a high-level meeting between James Swan, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO, and Guy Kabombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Strengthened capacities for peace monitoring
Since December 2025, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2808, MONUSCO has received a reinforced mandate to support ceasefire monitoring mechanisms. This includes providing logistical and security support to the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM+), which is part of regional peace efforts.
“We have enhanced our operational and logistical capabilities to support the EJVM+,” stated James Swan. “We stand ready to assist missions on identified ceasefire monitoring sites as soon as the mechanism finalizes its site selection.”
Collaboration with national authorities
The meeting also addressed broader aspects of MONUSCO’s mandate, including:
- Protection of civilians
- Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of armed groups
- Support for security sector reform
- Enhanced cooperation with the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC)
“MONUSCO maintains close collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense and Veterans Affairs and works in partnership with FARDC in areas such as the Grand Nord and Ituri,” explained James Swan. “With over 8,000 military personnel on the ground, our mission remains committed to these objectives.”
Regional peace initiatives
This announcement comes amid international calls for urgent deployment of the first ceasefire verification mission in eastern DRC. The initiative aligns with the Washington Agreement and the African Union-supported Doha Process, both aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
Recent discussions between DRC and Rwanda, including at the sixth session of the Joint Oversight Committee in London, emphasized the need to adjust the EJVM+ mandate to include verification of Washington Agreement commitments. Both countries have pledged to support rapid deployment of the EJVM+ for its first verification mission.
Next steps
MONUSCO is prepared to provide technical and logistical support to the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) through the EJVM+. The mission remains on standby to assist as soon as the verification sites are finalized, pending official designation by the relevant mechanisms.