MONUSCO Pushes Ceasefire Steps After Swan’s Goma Visit

MONUSCO chief James Swan used his first visit to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to reaffirm the UN mission’s support for the implementation of the ceasefire, civilian protection and ongoing peace efforts, according to 7sur7’s report. The visit took place in Goma, North Kivu, a key city in the eastern DRC crisis.

Speaking at Goma airport on Friday, Swan said MONUSCO remains committed to supporting the ceasefire process, protecting civilians and accompanying peace initiatives in line with UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808. Resolution 2773, adopted in 2025, condemned M23 offensives in eastern DRC and called for an immediate ceasefire. The UN Digital Library identifies the resolution as focused on M23 advances in the region.

During the visit, Swan held discussions with local authorities, the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus and the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre. These meetings reflected MONUSCO’s attempt to stay connected to both political and security mechanisms involved in monitoring the situation on the ground.

Swan also reviewed progress from the Montreux talks between the DRC government and AFC/M23. MONUSCO previously said the talks, held from April 13 to 18 under the Doha process, produced progress on humanitarian access and judicial protection protocols, with facilitation involving Qatar, the United States, the African Union and Switzerland as host. MONUSCO welcomed those advances as part of efforts to reduce violence and improve civilian protection.

The UN mission’s next-step message focused on turning commitments into action. Swan stressed the need to stop offensives, end GPS jamming and signal usurpation, guarantee MONUSCO’s freedom of movement and ensure safe access to airports and airspace.

He also called for cooperation from all parties involved in the fighting. For MONUSCO, these issues are not only technical concerns but conditions for monitoring the ceasefire, moving personnel safely and supporting humanitarian access in areas affected by conflict.

The visit comes as eastern DRC remains under pressure from armed violence, displacement and fragile peace efforts. Swan said his objective was to strengthen momentum toward de-escalation, restore hope among residents and support implementation of the ceasefire toward lasting peace.