Despite instability, United Nations peacekeeping missions, MONUSCOCommitted to fulfilling its mandate as regional efforts to restore peace continue.
Vivian Van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the Mission for Protection and Operations, said the ‘Blue Helmets’ will continue the full spectrum of their activities in Ituri, supporting the ceasefire as well as providing protection to civilians in North Kivu – while focusing specifically on ceasefire-related operations in South Kivu.
MONUSCO has been in the DRC since July 2010, taking command of the first UN peacekeeping mission in the conflict stemming from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in neighboring Rwanda. MONUSCO’s mandate includes protecting civilians and helping the DRC to stabilize and strengthen peace.
‘Worrying’ situation as conflict continues
The deputy chief’s briefing came as clashes intensified between rebel militia groups in the Kivus, the AFC and M23, and pro-government forces in Kinshasa, despite the withdrawal of the M23 militia from Uvira in January.
The violence is also spreading towards the border with Burundi, raising fears of wider regional conflict.
The UN official said that in Ituri province, “the situation remains worrying” with casualties, displacement and damage to infrastructure caused by rebel attacks.
“Recent hostilities between the government and the AFC/M23 have also been marked Increasing use of offensive dronesAs well as the constant jamming and spoofing of GPS signals,” Ms Van de Perre said.
Attacks by another rebel group, the ADF, have also resumed in the Mambasa region, away from their traditional operating areas.
diplomatic efforts for peace
“Despite these challenges, Diplomatic efforts continue to support the implementation of the ongoing peace processes.” Ms Van de Perre said.
They welcomed the new commitment of the DRC and Rwanda to move forward with the Washington Agreement, following their 17-18 March meeting in the US capital, where both sides agreed on concrete steps to implement the peace agreement and de-escalate tensions.
They also noted progress in the Doha Process and African Union-led initiatives, which have helped create a ceasefire framework.
Ms Van de Perre said a recent “joint investigative mission” to Uvira had found that security guarantees and freedom of movement were necessary before the deployment could proceed.
He urged the Council to use its influence to materialize this progress Rapid reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports and resumption of flights
“I encourage all political and civil society actors to find common ground On the scope, objectives and modalities of the national dialogue,” she said.
supporting citizens
Vivian Van de Perre said MONUSCO continues Provide security where it has sheltered approximately 3,000 civilians fleeing violence Seeking refuge from rebel militia in Zaiba village and in the UN Fataki base.
He supports the mission, Including operation of 204 patrols, enabling 18,000 farmers to harvest and transport their crops.
However, he stressed that strengthened governance and security sector reform are essential if the State is to fulfill its primary responsibility to protect civilians, while disarmament and repatriation efforts to de-escalate tensions must proceed in parallel.
Against this backdrop, “the humanitarian landscape has changed dramatically”, the UN official said. Currently 6.4 million people are internally displaced Across the country.
“While current humanitarian efforts are essential, they are inadequate and complicated by significant funding challenges,” he said, adding that 26.6 million people in the DRC, a quarter of the population, are expected to face food insecurity this year.
“Humanitarian action alone cannot carry the burden of peace, especially in a context where humanitarian workers are increasingly being targeted, with ten incidents recorded since December 2025,” Ms Van de Perre said.
Human rights violations
The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC has since continued to document serious human rights violations by both armed groups and state actors security council The information was last given in December 2025.
“Since December 2025, 173 cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been confirmed, affecting 111 victims, mostly women and girls, which, as we know, is only the tip of the iceberg.”
Ms. Van de Perre also warned that restrictions on MONUSCO’s access are hindering its ability to monitor, investigate and report abuses, while human rights defenders, journalists and civil society actors in rebel-controlled areas continue to face intimidation and arbitrary detention.
He further underlined that child forced labor remains a serious concern at artisanal mining sites, where exploitation helps fuel conflict.
