The protection of civilians lies at the core of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). In its resolution 2808 (2025), the Security Council reaffirmed that protecting civilians in the Mission’s area of operations remains one of its strategic priorities, alongside supporting the implementation of resolution 2773 (2025), stabilization efforts and the strengthening of State institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The primary responsibility for protecting civilians rests with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, in accordance with its mandate, MONUSCO is authorized to take all necessary measures, within its capabilities and areas of deployment and without prejudice to the responsibility of the host State, to ensure effective, prompt, dynamic and integrated protection of civilians under threat of physical violence. Resolution 2808 also clarifies that the Mission’s area of operations is currently limited to North Kivu and Ituri, except for activities required to support ceasefire monitoring and verification in South Kivu when conditions allow.
In MONUSCO, the protection of civilians is not solely a military task. It is a mission-wide responsibility involving civilian, military and police components. This integrated approach means that civilian protection relies not only on a robust presence on the ground, patrols and physical protection measures, but also on political engagement, mediation at the local level, advocacy, dialogue with communities, support to the rule of law, countering hate speech and disinformation, and strengthening early-warning mechanisms. Resolution 2808 explicitly mandates MONUSCO to use its good offices, support or undertake local mediation initiatives and conduct advocacy at the national level to prevent the escalation of violence and counter hate speech and mis- and disinformation campaigns.
In practical terms, MONUSCO implements its civilian protection mandate through a range of activities. The Mission maintains a preventive deployment and a mobile, flexible, robust and effective presence, particularly in high-risk areas. It takes measures to prevent, deter and swiftly stop attacks against civilians, including through unilateral or joint operations with Congolese security forces, in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The Mission also seeks to mitigate risks to civilians before, during and after military or police operations, including by monitoring and minimizing potential harm to civilian populations.
MONUSCO works closely with the Congolese authorities, humanitarian actors and local communities to identify threats, strengthen joint prevention and response mechanisms, and enhance civil-military cooperation. Particular attention is given to civilians gathered in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and refugee settlements, peaceful demonstrators, humanitarian workers, human rights defenders, as well as women, children and persons with disabilities who may face heightened risks of human rights violations, sexual and gender-based violence, or other forms of abuse. Resolution 2808 also emphasizes the importance of fully integrating child protection, gender considerations and conflict-related sexual violence into all aspects of the Mission’s activities.
Beyond immediate protection, MONUSCO contributes to building a protective environment by supporting national capacities for security and protection. This includes assistance to security sector reform, strengthening justice and accountability institutions, promoting respect for human rights, combating impunity, protecting children and supporting the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in peace and security processes. Resolution 2808 further stresses that the Mission’s gradual withdrawal must be accompanied by the strengthening of State presence and capacity to avoid security vacuums and ensure continued protection of civilians.
All components of the Mission play a role in implementing this mandate. Dedicated personnel, including civilian protection advisers, child protection advisers and women protection advisers, support the Mission in planning, coordination, threat analysis, monitoring and reporting. Their role is essential to ensure that civilian protection concerns are properly integrated and prioritized in the use of the Mission’s capabilities and resources, as required by the Security Council.
Implementing this mandate remains highly complex. MONUSCO operates in an environment characterized by the presence of multiple armed groups, persistent intercommunal violence, large-scale population displacement, a deteriorating humanitarian situation, the spread of hate speech and disinformation, as well as access constraints and asymmetric threats. At the same time, the Mission must carry out its mandate within the limits of its resources and in the context of a gradual transition and drawdown, while continuing to support the Congolese authorities in progressively assuming their responsibilities for civilian protection.
Ultimately, civilian protection in MONUSCO is a collective and organized effort. It relies on the primary responsibility of the Congolese State, the mandate provided by the Security Council, the coordinated engagement of all mission components, cooperation with national authorities, humanitarian partners and local communities, and a sustained commitment to prevent violence, protect populations at risk and contribute to the conditions for lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.