The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, was received on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the African Union City by the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
The discussions focused on MONUSCO’s role in operationalizing the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism agreed upon under both the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Process, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2773 (2025) and 2808 (2025).
“We are ready to begin immediately in the Uvira area, from which the M23 has withdrawn. As soon as security conditions allow our flights to operate safely, MONUSCO will deploy all necessary elements there in coordination with the verification mechanism involving other international partners,” Mr. Lacroix stated. He emphasized that “respecting and implementing the ceasefire is an essential step to ensure that humanitarian aid can be delivered to populations in a manner that better meets their needs.”
Under the terms of Security Council Resolution 2808, which extends MONUSCO’s mandate, the Mission is tasked with achieving the objectives set out in Resolution 2773 (2025), contributing to stabilization and the strengthening of state institutions in the DRC, and supporting the implementation of a permanent ceasefire between the parties.
Resolution 2808 also stresses that strengthening state authority in conflict-affected areas, particularly in the eastern part of the country, is a fundamental condition for achieving lasting peace in the DRC.
“The Security Council has paved the way for MONUSCO to fully play its support role in implementing the ceasefire. Our call is for all stakeholders to commit fully to the path of pacification and the restoration of stability,” Mr. Lacroix underscored.
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations further indicated that recommendations would be submitted to the United Nations Security Council to enable MONUSCO to strengthen its engagement on the ceasefire issue. “At the same time, MONUSCO continues its work to protect civilians, in coordination with national authorities, in Ituri as well as in North Kivu,” he added.
Finally, Mr. Lacroix, who is scheduled to travel to Beni in North Kivu this Wednesday, praised the “excellent cooperation with the Congolese authorities.”
During the audience with the Head of State, Mr. Lacroix was accompanied by Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Acting Head of MONUSCO since late December 2025.
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