Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 26, 2026 Peace and security
The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains extremely tense amid ongoing armed group activity and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, warned Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country Viviane van de Perre, speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday.
She noted that despite the challenging conditions, the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) continues to carry out its tasks in accordance with resolution 2808.
Escalation of hostilities and the risk of regional conflict
According to her, clashes between the M23 armed group, backed by Rwandan forces, and DRC government forces, supported by allied forces, continue to intensify in the provinces of North and South Kivu. The frontline is expanding, including areas near the border with Burundi, increasing the risk of regional escalation. The situation in Ituri province also remains alarming.
According to van de Perre, there has been an increase in the use of attack drones and electronic warfare systems, including GPS jamming.
In areas under M23 control, the formation of parallel administrative structures continues, undermining governance and complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Despite the escalating situation, diplomatic steps are being taken, the rapporteur noted. The UN welcomed the recent reaffirmation by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda of their commitment to implementing the so-called Washington Accords. At the same time, efforts continue within the Doha process and under the auspices of the African Union to establish ceasefire monitoring mechanisms.
In mid-February, the Acting Special Representative visited Goma – the first aircraft landing at the local airport in more than a year since air travel was suspended. During the visit, consultations were held with key partners and stakeholders to advance practical agreements for the launch of the monitoring mechanism.
In this regard, van de Perre called on the Security Council to facilitate the prompt opening of Goma and Kavumu airports and the resumption of flights, stressing that air traffic is essential for the population and humanitarian organizations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Protection of civilians
The UN mission continues to implement measures to support the civilian population. Specifically, peacekeepers provided protection to nearly 3,000 people sheltering at its base in Fataki and increased patrols. Thanks to the mission's operations, approximately 18,000 farmers were able to harvest and transport their crops.
The UN emphasizes the importance of security sector reform and strengthening state institutions as key conditions for ensuring sustainable peace.
Large-scale human rights violations
Numerous serious human rights violations have been documented since December 2025, including killings, abductions and sexual violence, related to the conflict. 173 cases of sexual violence have been confirmed, affecting 111 people, primarily women and girls. The UN notes that the actual scale of the violence is likely much higher.
Human rights defenders, journalists and civil society representatives in areas controlled by armed groups continue to face intimidation and arbitrary detention.
The humanitarian crisis is deepening
The humanitarian situation has changed significantly, the Acting Head of the UN Mission reported. There are approximately 6.4 million internally displaced people in the DR Congo, nearly 4 million of whom are in the eastern regions. Meanwhile, approximately 4.3 million people have already returned to their homes.
The UN warns that 26.6 million people in the DRC, or about a quarter of the country's population, could suffer from food shortages by 2026.
Humanitarian operations are facing serious challenges, including funding cuts and security threats. Since December, at least 10 incidents have been recorded that have put humanitarian workers at risk.
The recent death of a UNICEF worker in a strike on her home in Goma was a tragic reminder of the risks humanitarian workers face, van de Perre noted.
Call to action
In conclusion of the briefing, she stressed that coordinated international efforts are needed to achieve peace in eastern DRC.
"The people of Congo, who have long suffered from violence and illegal exploitation of resources, deserve to see peace and good governance become a reality," the rapporteur said.
She called on the parties to honour their commitments and on the Security Council to take decisive action to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further violence.
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