MONUSCO Chief highlights challenges in civilians’ protection in DRC

In a briefing to reporters at the United Nations headquarters, Bintou Keita, the head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to protecting civilians under international humanitarian law. She reported that, following the fall of Goma on January 28, over 1,400 high-risk individuals—including civilians, women, and children—have sought refuge and protection through MONUSCO.

However, Keita expressed concern about significant challenges facing the mission. “Sustaining protection efforts has become increasingly difficult due to the overwhelming number of individuals we are accommodating, compounded by difficult living conditions and limited supplies that are lasting longer than we had anticipated,” she noted.

Calling for urgent action, Keita emphasized that MONUSCO needs an internationally supported solution to facilitate the safe and dignified transfer of these individuals to alternative secure locations, while ensuring their rights and choices are fully respected.

Keita also highlighted ongoing security threats from the M23 armed group, which has recently taken control of parts of North Kivu, allegedly with support from the Rwandan Defense Forces. She pointed out that restrictions on freedom of movement, such as roadblocks and requirements for 48-hour advance notifications, severely hinder the mission’s ability to protect civilians and conduct life-saving operations.

“The ambitions of the M23 extend beyond North Kivu,” Keita warned, citing public declarations by the group that indicate an intention to advance towards Kinshasa. She noted that M23 forces are pressing southward toward South Kivu and Tanganyika.

Further accentuating the gravity of the situation, Keita raised alarms over reports indicating that the M23 is consolidating political control in the territories it occupies. “We are seeing communications from AFC/M23 concerning the establishment of governance structures, including the appointment of a governor and a mayor for Goma, with similar developments occurring in Bukavu,” she stated.

Despite the considerable restrictions, Keita assured that MONUSCO remains active in North Kivu. “We are still operating in the region,” she said, indicating that SAMI DRC, a regional force, is also deployed in Goma, while MONUSCO continues to uphold its civilian protection mandate in other locations.

In light of the escalating crisis, Keita also addressed an upcoming vote on a UN Security Council resolution concerning the situation, expected on February 21. She expressed her expectation for a unanimous vote on the matter, underscoring the international community’s collective responsibility to respond to the unfolding crisis.

As the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to deteriorate, the call for immediate, coordinated international efforts to protect civilians and restore stability has never been more urgent.