In March, MONUSCO marked a transition with the appointment of James Swan as its new head, while the mission continued its stabilization efforts. In Ituri, Operation "Nyundo II" successfully secured the release of fourteen hostages, alongside community-led repairs on the Fataki-Lodha road. Regarding security and human rights, the Acting Head of Mission denounced the tragic killing of a UN staff member, while UNJHRO highlighted the urgent need to combat sexual violence. Finally, in Kinshasa, the "Peace Circle" workshop emphasized women's resilience as a vital pillar for national reconstruction.
Secretary-General Appoints Mr. James Swan of the United States of America as Special Representative for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Mr. James Swan of the United States of America as his Special Representative for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Mr. Swan succeeds Bintou Keita of Guinea, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her important contribution and service to MONUSCO.
In Ituri, #MONUSCO's Nepalese contingent and Lodha IDP camp residents joined forces to rehabilitate the rain-damaged Fataki-Lodha road. This joint effort has restored traffic flow, enhancing security for both local populations and patrols.
Conflict-related sexual violence, a devastating reality in DRC: rape still used as a weapon of war. Accountability and support for survivors cannot wait. In 2025, 887 cases affecting 1,534 victims were documented by UNJHRO (@unjhro). Majority of victims are women and girls.
On a press release, The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Acting Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and UN Designated Official for Security, Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, strongly condemns the escalation of violence observed on Wednesday morning in Goma, notably involving the use of attack drones, which tragically resulted in the death of a United Nations staff member, and two other civilians and caused damage to civilian homes in the surrounding area. The Acting Head of #MONUSCO reiterates the absolute urgency of protecting civilians and respecting the ceasefire.
Peacekeepers free 14 people taken hostage by a militia in Djugu
Thanks to an intervention by MONUSCO peacekeepers, alerted by customary authorities, fourteen hostages abducted by the CODECO militia in Djugu have been released. This success stems from Operation "Nyundo II", which involves the deployment of six mobile bases and intensified patrols across Ituri.
Beyond military action, the mission prioritizes constant dialogue with civilians to gather crucial intelligence. Praised by local civil society, this strategy aims to restore trust and stability in a region long scarred by armed group activity.
Kinshasa: Maryam Bukar Hassan’s advocacy for a women-led Peace
On March 17, Kinshasa hosted the "Peace Circle" workshop, an initiative led by Maryam Bukar Hassan, UN Global Mandatary for Peace. This event gathered women and youth leaders to promote peace in the DRC through two key pillars: access to justice and investing in women.
The envoy emphasized the need for Congolese people to reclaim their own narrative—notably through art and digital tools—to break international media silence. Ultimately, the workshop reaffirmed that national stability depends on women's resilience and bold, collective solidarity.
At the UN Security Council Acting SRSG Vivian van de Perre warns of an extremely tense situation in eastern DRC and calls for a credible ceasefire as well as the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
