The escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly involving the government forces and the M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda, has intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire. In response, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has declared its full readiness to support peace verification missions across designated sites in the conflict zones of North Kivu and South Kivu.
MONUSCO’s commitment to peace in the DRC
During a high-level meeting in Kinshasa on July 2, 2026, James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of MONUSCO, met with Guy Kabombo, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to implement peace agreements, including the Washington Agreement and the Doha Process, both aimed at restoring stability in the region.
Enhanced operational readiness
James Swan emphasized that MONUSCO has significantly bolstered the operational and logistical capabilities of the Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (MCVR+), as mandated by the UN Security Council Resolution 2808 (2025). The mission is now fully equipped to assist in ceasefire monitoring efforts once the specific sites for verification are officially identified and approved.
« Since December 2025, following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2808, we have received a reinforced mandate to support the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. We have outlined our ongoing efforts to implement this mandate and our willingness to collaborate closely with the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) to achieve the objectives set for MONUSCO, » Swan stated after the meeting.
Regional and international support for peace
The announcement comes amid growing pressure from international partners, including the United States and other stakeholders, to expedite the deployment of the first ceasefire verification mission in eastern DRC. The Washington Agreement, aimed at restoring peace and security in the Great Lakes region, was a key topic during recent evaluations, including a meeting in London and sessions at the UN Security Council.
Both DRC and Rwanda have reiterated their commitment to accelerating the implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries. In a joint communiqué issued by the U.S. Department of State, the parties agreed to request an adjustment of the mandate of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) to include the verification of commitments made under the Washington Agreement.
« The DRC and Rwanda have also agreed to support the rapid deployment of the EJVM+ to undertake its first verification mission, while urging all actors on the ground to support this initiative, » the communiqué stated. Additionally, both countries pledged to « create political and security conditions conducive to joint verification processes, » a critical step for the effectiveness of the planned peace mechanisms.
Collaboration with DRC authorities
James Swan highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between MONUSCO, the Ministry of National Defense, and the FARDC, particularly in the Grand Nord and Ituri regions. With over 8,000 military personnel, MONUSCO remains a key partner in protecting civilians, supporting the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of armed groups, and contributing to security sector reform in the DRC.
« MONUSCO maintains close collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense and Veterans as well as the authorities of the DRC. Given that MONUSCO still deploys more than 8,000 military personnel and works in close partnership with the FARDC, particularly in the Grand Nord and Ituri, I wanted to share with the Minister some of our activities and recall our key mandates, including civilian protection, efforts in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of armed groups, as well as our support for security sector reform, » Swan explained.
The meeting follows repeated appeals from international partners, including the United States, for urgent action to address the crisis in eastern DRC. The Washington Agreement, signed to restore peace and security in the Great Lakes region, particularly in eastern DRC, has been a focal point of recent diplomatic efforts.
As the situation in the region remains volatile, the readiness of MONUSCO to support ceasefire monitoring and verification missions marks a critical step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC.