April was marked by the inauguration of MONUSCO Head James Swan, who held important meetings both in Kinshasa and during his tour of the eastern part of the country. In addition, the Mission’s efforts were highlighted in the context of civilian protection, particularly in Ituri, where hostages were freed thanks to a joint operation by peacekeepers and Congolese military forces in Djugu. During the Special Representative’s visit to Goma, women from civil society organizations sent him a letter.
Discover all this and much more in this selection of content
MONUSCO’s new Head takes office
James Swan, the new Head of MONUSCO, took office in Kinshasa on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, succeeding Ms. Bintou Keita. He has set out his main priorities: protecting civilians and establishing the necessary conditions for lasting peace.
Read more here.
In Ituri, four hostages of the CRP militia rescued thanks to a joint FARDC and MONUSCO operation
Abducted by militiamen of the Convention pour la Révolution Populaire (CRP) since January 27, 2026, four people—including a woman and a child—regained their freedom thanks to rescue patrol actions by MONUSCO's Nepalese contingent, carried out jointly with the Congolese army.
The Head of MONUSCO, James Swan, was received in an audience on Tuesday by H.E. President Tshisekedi. Constructive exchanges on the protection of civilians, security sector reform, DDR, and support for the implementation of ceasefire mechanisms. #DRC #MONUSCO
In #Goma, Marceline embodies inclusive leadership in the service of peace.🕊️
With the support of #MONUSCO, she accompanies women with disabilities toward autonomy and community participation.
Eastern Tour of the New MONUSCO Chief
From Monday, April 20, to Saturday, April 25, 2026, the new Head of MONUSCO, James Swan, conducted his first field tour in eastern DRC to reaffirm the priority of the civilian protection mandate.
In Beni and Eringeti (North Kivu), he assessed the threat posed by the ADF and held discussions with the Military Governor and civil society regarding humanitarian needs and the safety of women (20-21 April). In Bunia (Ituri), he designated the province as a strategic priority, emphasizing the fight against impunity and community dialogue in the face of CODECO and CRP militias (22-23 April). Finally, in Goma and at the Mubambiro transit camp, Mr. Swan supervised the disarmament process (DDR/RR) for former FDLR combatants and supported diplomatic de-escalation efforts linked to the Doha and Luanda processes. He stressed that lasting stabilization in the region requires—beyond military action, the reinforcement of State authority and dignified reintegration paths for armed groups (24-25 April).
Learn more though the articles below:
#Ituri | In Bavonkutu (#Irumu), the Masinda bridge improves mobility and strengthens security.
Built by the Indonesian contingent of #MONUSCO, it boosts economic exchanges and enhances security forces’ response for the #ProtectionOfCivilians.
