United nations: UN envoy James Swan has urged all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) to uphold their commitments to peace agreements as he delivered his first briefing to the Security Council. Nearly a year has passed since the DR Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington, DC, complemented by the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement and African Union-led mediation efforts, establishing a path to address the longstanding conflict in the region.
According to African Press Organization, Swan, who leads the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO), warned that the security situation remains unstable, with civilians suffering due to clashes in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. The conflict involves the Alliance Fleuve Congo/23rd of March Movement (AFC/M23), backed by Rwandan forces, and the Congolese Army (FARDC) allied with the Wazalendo armed group. In certain areas, Congolese forces receive support from the Democratic Forces for the Freedom of Rwanda (FDLR), a group formed by former perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Clashes are primarily occurring in North Kivu's Rubaya and Rutshuru regions, as well as South Kivu's high plains, with increased risks to civilians and infrastructure due to the use of offensive drones, artillery, and heavy weapons. Although AFC/M23 has partially withdrawn from some areas, it continues to establish parallel administrative structures in territories it controls. Swan emphasized the need for the rapid deployment of a ceasefire monitoring mechanism under the Doha process, with MONUSCO providing support for its operations in Goma.
The envoy also highlighted the threat from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), noting that since the Council's last meeting, the group has killed 287 civilians in Ituri, including 44 women. In North Kivu's Beni territory, 66 civilians have been killed, including 17 women and three children. Since 19 March, MONUSCO has documented 632 civilian deaths in North Kivu and Ituri, along with 1,221 human rights violations, including sexual violence.
MONUSCO has increased patrols and mobile operating bases in areas affected by ADF attacks and around sites for internally displaced persons. Since 19 March, peacekeepers and the Congolese Army have conducted over 2,000 joint patrols. The mission has also supported local peace efforts in Ituri, facilitating dialogue among armed groups in Aru and supporting security sector reform and disarmament initiatives.
Despite a liquidity crisis affecting UN peace operations, Swan reaffirmed MONUSCO's commitment to its mandate amid a humanitarian crisis in the DRC, where nearly 27 million people face food insecurity. A $1.4 billion humanitarian plan to assist 7.3 million people this year is only partially funded. The situation is further complicated by an Ebola outbreak declared on 15 May, posing significant risks in conflict-affected areas with limited health services.
Swan concluded by urging all parties to adhere to the Washington and Doha agreements and comply with Security Council resolutions respecting the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He affirmed MONUSCO's unwavering support for the Congolese people's aspirations for peace, security, and development.