What You Need to Know
The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for an additional year, until December 20, 2026. The decision highlights the mission’s role in supporting peace efforts amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
Africa. The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for an additional year, until December 20, 2026.
France, the sponsor of the resolution, emphasized through its ambassador to the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, that the text places MONUSCO at the “forefront of supporting peace efforts,” referring to initiatives by the African Union and mediation efforts led by Togo, as well as the roles of the United States and Qatar.
Bonnafont explained that the resolution adopts a “gradual approach” to monitoring the ceasefire through mechanisms agreed upon in the Doha talks, with the possibility for the council to review these arrangements later based on recommendations from the Secretary-General and developments on the ground.
Diverse Positions Within the Council
Chinese Ambassador Sun Li stressed the importance of maintaining MONUSCO’s independence and neutrality, warning against “politicizing” its role to serve narrow agendas. He stated that the council’s commitment to the principles of peacekeeping operations is the only way to ensure member states’ trust in the mission.
Russian representative Anna Evstigneva called on parties to fulfill their commitments under Resolution 2773, which includes essential solutions to end the “harsh” conflict benefiting millions of people in Congo and neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, U.S. representative Jennifer Lusita strongly condemned the advance of the M23 movement toward the city of Uvira, accusing Rwanda of continuing to support the movement in violation of Washington’s agreements. She affirmed that the United States is committed to these agreements and the Doha process, urging all parties to fully comply.
In this context, Ambassador Michael Imran Cano spoke on behalf of the “I3+” group (Algeria, Guyana, Somalia, and Sierra Leone), condemning the ongoing attacks by the M23 movement against civilians and demanding that the movement withdraw from all areas it controls and dismantle its parallel administrations.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced decades of conflict, with various armed groups vying for control and contributing to instability. MONUSCO was established in 2010 to help stabilize the country and protect civilians. Over the years, the mission has evolved to address the complex challenges posed by ongoing violence and political instability, while also supporting peace initiatives led by regional actors and the international community.
