James Swan Visits Goma, an Area Controlled by the AFC/M23 Alliance
James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO, arrived this Friday, April 24, 2026, in the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. This marks his first visit to the area since assuming his duties in Kinshasa.
Before arriving in Goma, Swan had already toured several conflict-affected areas, including Beni, Eringeti, Bunia, and Fataki. This reflects his intention to gain a comprehensive understanding of the security situation in regions most impacted by ongoing violence.
Upon his arrival in Goma, Swan emphasized that his visit is part of efforts to support the implementation of the ceasefire. He stressed the city’s strategic role in easing tensions and protecting civilians. He also noted that he plans to meet MONUSCO officials to discuss how the mission can better support local authorities and assess how its mandate can be more effectively implemented.
This visit follows recent talks held in Montreux between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 group, as part of the Doha dialogue process supported by Qatar, the United States, and the African Union.
MONUSCO welcomed the progress made so far, particularly regarding agreements on humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians’ rights. Swan called on all parties to prioritize dialogue in order to reach a sustainable ceasefire agreement.
He outlined several key requirements for the effective implementation of the ceasefire, including:
- Halting the use of combat drones
- Ending interference with GPS signals
- Granting full freedom of movement to MONUSCO personnel
- Allowing safe use of airspace and airport facilities
He stressed that cooperation among all parties is essential to achieving these objectives.
James Swan is leading MONUSCO at a time when the UN Security Council has extended the mission’s mandate until December 20, 2026, under Resolution 2808. The resolution maintains MONUSCO’s force levels at approximately 11,500 troops, 600 military observers, 443 police officers, and an additional 1,270 personnel in formed police units.
The mission’s core objectives include:
- Protecting civilians
- Supporting DRC state institutions
- Monitoring and implementing peace agreements
Unlike in previous periods, this resolution halts the planned drawdown of MONUSCO forces due to the deteriorating security situation in Ituri, South Kivu, and North Kivu provinces.
The UN Security Council also condemned attacks against civilians attributed to FARDC and its allies, and criticized ongoing cooperation between FARDC and the FDLR, an armed group composed in part of individuals linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
James Swan’s visit is seen as a significant step toward reinvigorating peace efforts. In his remarks, he expressed hope that ongoing initiatives could yield tangible results and restore confidence among communities affected by conflict.
As the situation on the ground remains volatile, the international community continues to increase pressure on all parties to end hostilities and prioritize a lasting peaceful solution in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
