Origins of the conflict and establishment of MONUC
Following the genocide perpetrated in Rwanda in 1994 and the establishment of a new Government in that country, approximately 1.2 million Rwandan Hutu refugees, including individuals who had participated in the massacres, fled into the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu in what was then Zaire. These regions, already characterized by complex political and ethnic dynamics, were destabilized by the massive influx of refugees and the presence of former combatants.
In 1996, an insurgency broke out in eastern Zaire, leading to clashes between forces led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila and the army of President Mobutu Sese Seko. The rebel forces of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), supported by Rwanda and Uganda, gradually took control of the country and entered Kinshasa in May 1997. The country was subsequently renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
However, tensions soon resurfaced. In 1998, a rebellion against the Government of Laurent-Désiré Kabila erupted in the Kivu provinces. This conflict, widely referred to as the Second Congo War, quickly drew in several regional actors. Angola, Namibia, Chad and Zimbabwe supported the Congolese Government, while Rwanda and Uganda backed various rebel movements, including the Rally forCongolese Democracy (RCD). The conflict rapidly assumed a regional dimension and generated a severe humanitarian crisis.
At the request of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Security Council authorized the deployment of a peacekeeping mission. Through resolution 1279 of 30 November 1999, the Council established the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). Initially composed mainly of military observers tasked with monitoring the ceasefire under the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, the Mission’s mandate was gradually expanded to support the broader peace process and stabilization efforts.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Ambassador Kamel Morjane of Tunisia as the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General for MONUC.
Expansion of the mandate and support to the peace process (1999–2003)
During the early years of its deployment, MONUC’s mandate was progressively strengthened through several Security Council resolutions. Initially tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and supporting the Joint Military Commission established under the Lusaka Agreement, the Mission’s responsibilities expanded to include:
- monitoring compliance with the ceasefire and verifying the withdrawal of foreign forces;
- supporting political dialogue and national reconciliation efforts;
- facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
- monitoring and promoting respect for human rights;
- assisting with disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration (DDR) processes.
Political progress was achieved through the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, facilitated by the United Nations and former Senegalese Prime Minister Moustapha Niasse, which culminated in the signing of the Global and Inclusive Agreement in Pretoria in December 2002. This agreement paved the way for the establishment in June 2003 of a Transitional Government (1+4) bringing together the main political and armed factions.
During this period, MONUC played a key role in supporting the transition process, assisting in the reunification of the country, the restoration of State authority, security sector reform and the preparation of the first democratic elections in decades.
Support to political transition and elections (2003–2008)
Between 2003 and 2008, MONUC’s mandate was further strengthened in response to ongoing insecurity and the need to consolidate State institutions. The Security Council authorized the Mission to use all necessary means, within its capabilities, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, which gradually became the central priority of peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During this period, MONUC provided critical logistical and technical support to an electoral process of unprecedented scale. The Mission contributed in particular to:
- the registration of more than 25 million voters;
- the organization of the constitutional referendum in 2005;
- the presidential and legislative elections in 2006;
- the consolidation of democratic institutions resulting from the electoral process.
Despite these advances, eastern parts of the country remained unstable due to the continued presence of numerous Congolese and foreign armed groups.
Transformation into MONUSCO and consolidation of stabilization efforts (2010–2020)
On 1 July 2010, through Security Council resolution 1925, MONUC was transformed into the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). This transition reflected a shift toward a stabilization phase, focusing on strengthening State institutions and consolidating peace.
MONUSCO’s core mandate included:
- protection of civilians;
- support to stabilization and peace consolidation;
- assistance to security sector reform;
- support to State authority and the rule of law.
Following the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion in 2012, the Security Council adopted resolution 2098 (2013) authorizing the creation of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) within MONUSCO. This unprecedented offensive component of a UN peacekeeping mission was tasked with neutralizing armed groups threatening State authority and civilian security in eastern DRC.
Throughout the following decade, MONUSCO continued to support the Congolese authorities in stabilizing conflict-affected areas while documenting human rights violations and contributing to efforts to combat impunity.
Toward a gradual transition (2021–2025)
During 2021
MONUSCO continued implementing its two strategic priorities: the protection of civilians and support to the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Mission remained primarily engaged in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where armed group activity continued to pose serious threats to civilian populations. At the same time, discussions intensified between the United Nations and the Congolese Government regarding the future of the Mission and the modalities of a gradual transition.
During 2022
The security situation deteriorated significantly in eastern DRC with the resurgence of the M23, which triggered new waves of displacement and deepened the humanitarian crisis. MONUSCO continued its efforts to protect civilians and coordinate closely with national authorities, while also facing growing public criticism and expectations in certain areas regarding its presence and role.
During 2023
The year 2023 marked a critical stage in discussions on the progressive disengagement of MONUSCO. The United Nations and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed on a framework for a gradual, responsible and conditions-based withdrawal, taking into account the evolving security situation on the ground. At the same time, the Mission reinforced its efforts to address misinformation and maintain engagement with local communities.
During 2024
MONUSCO began implementing the first phases of the agreed transition plan. While maintaining its core activities related to civilian protection and institutional support, the Mission worked closely with Congolese authorities and UN partners to prepare the gradual transfer of certain responsibilities in areas where conditions allowed.
During 2025
In 2025, the Mission operated in an increasingly complex environment marked by a renewed deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma by the M23, which significantly exacerbated the humanitarian and protection crisis in North Kivu. In this challenging context, MONUSCO continued adapting its posture to support civilian protection efforts, coordinate with national authorities and maintain engagement with international partners.
At the same time, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) continued to document serious human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence, and to alert the international community to the devastating long-term impact of these abuses on civilian populations, particularly women, girls and children.
Since its establishment in 1999, the United Nations presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has evolved in response to the country’s complex security, political and humanitarian challenges.
From monitoring ceasefires and supporting political dialogue to protecting civilians and assisting stabilization efforts, MONUC and subsequently MONUSCO have accompanied the Democratic Republic of the Congo through multiple phases of conflict and transition.
Between 2021 and 2025, the Mission entered a new phase characterized by a dual dynamic: continuing to carry out its core responsibilities—particularly the protection of civilians—while preparing for a gradual and responsible transition, in close coordination with the Congolese authorities and international partners.