The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), led by Joseph Kabila, has expressed its opposition to extending the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). On November 3, 2026, in Goma, North Kivu Province, FRN officials met with MONUSCO chief James Swan to discuss the potential extension of MONUSCO's mandate, which is set to expire on December 20, 2026.
FRN officials, including Vice President Bertrand Bisimwa, stated that they saw no justification for extending MONUSCO's mandate, citing the organization's 28-year presence in the country had not brought sustainable security. Bisimwa emphasized that FRN wants MONUSCO to begin its withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo, rather than extending its stay.
According to Bisimwa, FRN had previously given MONUSCO a specific mandate to support the implementation of the Doha peace agreement, but feels that MONUSCO has overstepped its role. He expressed concerns that MONUSCO's proposed extension would only lead to more military deployments, particularly in South Kivu Province, without addressing the root causes of insecurity.
FRN's concerns center on the perceived lack of tangible results from MONUSCO's prolonged presence in the country. Bisimwa cited the example of Uvira, where MONUSCO failed to deploy troops to protect civilians from violence, despite FRN's requests. In contrast, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed support for extending MONUSCO's mandate.
The United Nations Security Council is set to review MONUSCO's mandate in December 2026, determining whether to extend its stay or proceed with a withdrawal plan. James Swan's visit to Goma was part of a broader effort to engage with stakeholders on the future of MONUSCO's operations in the region.
FRN's stance on MONUSCO's mandate extension reflects a broader skepticism about the effectiveness of international military interventions in achieving lasting peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group argues that a longer MONUSCO presence would not address the underlying issues driving insecurity in the country.
As the Security Council prepares to make a decision on MONUSCO's mandate, the international community is watching closely. The outcome will have significant implications for the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the role of international peacekeeping missions in the region.
Key points
- FRN rejects MONUSCO mandate extension
- MONUSCO's 28-year presence in Congo has not brought sustainable security
- UN Security Council to review MONUSCO's mandate in December 2026
