On September 29, James Swan, head of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), presented an update on the security situation in eastern DRC to the UN Security Council. He acknowledged progress in peace processes, including those in Washington, Doha, and the African Union. However, Swan emphasized that violence persists on the ground, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces.
In North Kivu, clashes between the Allied Forces of the Congo/M23 (AFC/M23) and its allies, and the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) with its allies, continue. The most intense fighting has been reported in the territories of Masisi and Walikale, where parties are using heavy weapons and drones. The situation remains tense in the highlands of South Kivu, especially around Minembwe, where fighting involves FARDC, Wazalendo groups, and AFC/M23 backed by Twirwaneho and other allies.
These clashes have resulted in new population displacements and complicated access to essential services and humanitarian aid. Despite this, MONUSCO has noted progress in the ceasefire verification mechanism. Two missions of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) were deployed to Minembwe in August and Masisi in September. MONUSCO provided logistical, medical, air, and communication support to these missions.
James Swan reported that security guarantees from conflict parties allowed MONUSCO to resume some aerial operations between Goma and several areas in North and South Kivu. Overland convoys to certain localities in North Kivu have also resumed. The EJVM+ reports have been transmitted to the mechanism responsible for supervising and verifying the ceasefire.
The ongoing violence has caused continued population displacement and affected access to humanitarian aid in several areas of North and South Kivu. MONUSCO's efforts to support the peace process are ongoing, but the situation remains challenging. The mission has been working to support the implementation of the peace processes and to protect civilians.
James Swan called for the transformation of diplomatic advances into concrete results on the ground. His intervention comes as fighting continues to impact the lives of civilians and humanitarian operations. The humanitarian situation in the affected areas remains a concern, with many civilians in need of assistance.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with multiple parties involved in the conflict. MONUSCO continues to play a critical role in supporting the peace process and protecting civilians. The mission's efforts to verify the ceasefire and support humanitarian operations are essential to addressing the crisis.
Key points
- MONUSCO head James Swan warns of ongoing clashes in eastern DRC
- Clashes have resulted in new population displacements and complicated access to essential services and humanitarian aid
- MONUSCO has noted progress in the ceasefire verification mechanism
