The acting head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arrived in Goma on Thursday, marking the restoration of air access to the city after an extended suspension, according to the mission.
Goma has been under the control of the M23 armed group since January, when the group captured the city during a rapid offensive in eastern Congo. The escalation resulted in thousands of fatalities and significantly altered the security landscape in the region.
Speaking from Goma, Vivian van de Perr, who is serving as acting head of the UN mission, reiterated the organization’s mandate under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2808 (2025). She emphasized that the mission—United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)—is tasked with supporting efforts toward a permanent ceasefire.
Van de Perr outlined initial operational steps, including plans to deploy an aerial reconnaissance mission in Uvira in the coming days. She stated that her visit aims to facilitate consultations with relevant stakeholders and to advance preparations related to verification mechanisms, coordination, communication, and logistical arrangements necessary to ensure the credibility and functionality of the ceasefire framework.
The reconnaissance mission is expected to be positioned near the border with Burundi in the coming weeks.
The M23 movement, which resurfaced five years ago after a period of relative inactivity, has been active in eastern Congo, contributing to ongoing instability in the region.
Meanwhile, Angola has intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The Angolan government recently proposed a renewed truce between the Congolese armed forces and M23 fighters, scheduled to take effect from Wednesday, as part of broader regional mediation initiatives.
