The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) announces that Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Acting Head of MONUSCO, is undertaking a visit to Goma following consultations with Congolese national authorities. The visit forms part of MONUSCO’s preparations to support ceasefire monitoring and verification, in line with the Security Council mandate.
Ms. van de Perre arrived by air at Goma airport, marking an important operational step after air access to the city had been disrupted since January 2025. Speaking upon arrival, she noted: “On 26 January 2025, I was on board the last aircraft to land at Goma airport. Today, I am on board the first aircraft to land here again. I hope this marks the beginning of the gradual reopening of the airport, for the benefit of the population.”
The visit includes engagement with relevant counterparts and stakeholders to advance the practical arrangements required for the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.
Under UN Security Council resolution 2808 (2025), MONUSCO is explicitly authorized to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, including through technical and logistical support to the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) via the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+). “I am going to Goma to support preparations for ceasefire monitoring and verification, in close coordination with the established ceasefire architecture, including the EJVM+,” Ms. van de Perre said.
MONUSCO reiterates that its support will be delivered within the scope of its Security Council mandate and in full respect of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Mission also stresses that effective monitoring requires enabling conditions on the ground, including freedom of movement, predictable access, security guarantees for monitoring teams, reliable operational corridors, and functioning communications to ensure credible verification.
Finally, MONUSCO underscores that support to the ceasefire will be phased and gradual, depending on confirmed arrangements within the agreed architecture and on safety and security guarantees for UN personnel and assets.
