UN Special Representative James Swan arrived in Goma, North Kivu Province, on November 2, 2026, and met with former DRC President Joseph Kabila on November 3. Kabila, now head of the Front for National Refoundation (FRN), discussed the implementation of MONUSCO's mandate with Swan. The meeting was part of Swan's regular consultations in eastern DRC. The FRN succeeded the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the March 23 Movement (M23).
The encounter marked the first meeting between Swan and Kabila since Kabila took the helm of the FRN on October 12. The FRN has inherited the assets and liabilities of the AFC/M23. Corneille Nangaa, former coordinator of the AFC, became one of the FRN's vice presidents. Swan was accompanied by a delegation, including Brigadier General Givenz Kishombe Sichali and senior advisor Walter Lotze.
Kabila was flanked by vice presidents Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa, as well as several collaborators. The FRN aims to honor the Doha agreements and opposes the renewal of MONUSCO's mandate. According to Bisimwa, the FRN wants MONUSCO to pursue its withdrawal from eastern DRC. The movement claims that government forces and their allies have resumed attacks on multiple fronts.
The FRN described MONUSCO's performance as a "total failure" but acknowledged its logistical support for initiatives stemming from the Doha talks. The movement disputes the potential redeployment of MONUSCO to South Kivu to support the ceasefire verification mechanism. The FRN sees no utility in MONUSCO's presence in areas already under its control, which it considers "stabilized".
MONUSCO's mandate includes protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access, and supporting ceasefire monitoring mechanisms in eastern DRC. One of these mechanisms is the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (MCVE+), established to monitor the truce between the DRC government and the AFC/M23. MONUSCO contributes to verifying alleged ceasefire violations and monitoring its implementation on the ground.
The discussions focused on the ceasefire and civilian protection. MONUSCO's engagement with the FRN aims to support the implementation of its mandate. The UN mission had previously established a dialogue with the AFC/M23. Swan's visit demonstrates MONUSCO's continued commitment to collaboration with various stakeholders in eastern DRC.
The meeting between Swan and Kabila reflects the ongoing efforts to address security challenges in eastern DRC. The FRN's stance on MONUSCO's mandate renewal and redeployment will likely influence future discussions between the UN mission and DRC authorities. MONUSCO's role in supporting ceasefire verification and civilian protection remains crucial in the region.
Key points
- UN Special Representative James Swan met with Joseph Kabila to discuss MONUSCO's mandate implementation.
- The FRN opposes the renewal of MONUSCO's mandate and advocates for its withdrawal from eastern DRC.
- MONUSCO's engagement with the FRN aims to support the implementation of its mandate, focusing on ceasefire verification and civilian protection.
