Members of the UN Security Council will need to reevaluate Dr. Congo’s Monusco’s mission if they are unable to carry out their mission to protect civilians in areas managed by the M23, said Dorothy Shea, the US Charge Dyers to the UN at a briefing for the Security Council of conflict countries.
The US, as Monusco’s “large financial aid,” said it was concerned about interference with the M23’s mission, including restrictions on travel for the M23 and the closure of Goma airport. Shea said M23 should stop thwarting Monusco’s operations, including the immediate reopening of Goma Airport, a key hub for humanitarian aid and peacekeeping logistics.
“We recognize the role Monusco can play in helping to end this crisis. Through its expertise, delegation and infrastructure, Monusco is equipped to support the implementation of ceasefires or negotiated solutions, as has done many times throughout history,” Shea said.
“However, if there is no sustainable ceasefire or guarantee against Monusco’s freedom of movement, the UN forces will be prevented from leaving the base, and the M23 commits human rights violations across Sesame. If Monusco can no longer carry out a mandate to protect citizens in the areas managed by the M23, as council members, we must consider all the environments.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) UN organizational stabilization mission is a UN peacekeeping mission tasked with protecting civilians, supporting the Congolese government and promoting peace and stability over the past decade. Peacekeeping forces have been with Dr. Congo since 2010 on an order to support the Congolese government in efforts to protect civilians and to curb violence and unrest.
In January 2024, the council voted to close Monusco. However, the UN’s withdrawal was delayed after terrifying about Dr. Congo after Monasco. The UN voted to renew the one-year Monusco mission for a year to support Dr. Congo and his troops after expressing serious concerns about the ongoing attack by the North Kivu M23.
“Attack rhetoric” from the Rwandan government
US diplomats also denounced the M23 militia and Rwandan defence forces’ advance in the country’s eastern part, ousting civilians and thwarting UN peacekeeping missions. She criticized “increasingly hostile rhetoric” from Rwandan government officials and the M23 militia. This includes false claims that the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (Monusco) supports the FDLR.
“These statements are unacceptable and irresponsible, especially from Rwanda, a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, including senior leadership positions,” she said.
According to Monusco Head Bintou Keita, these groups are not only trying to seize the land, but also establish “parallel government,” appointing governors and financial staff to occupying areas.
Humanitarian casualties have been severe, with over 100,000 new evacuations in Ituri alone since January. The report highlights a surprising rise in human rights abuses, including massive executions, forced recruitment of children, acquiring and forced labor. Aid workers document sexual violence against women and children, in some cases five young girls involved. At least 403 serious child rights violations were verified from December 2024 to February 2025.
Despite these challenges, Monusco continues to save Dr. Congo’s lives in other parts of the country through rapid deployments to protect civilians from armed groups. The US urged Congolese and Ugandan troops to coordinate with the Masco, protect civilians, disrupt armed group attacks, and support efforts to counter the threat of terrorists.
The US has acknowledged the SADC’s decision to end the Military Mission (SAMIDRC) and called on the M23 and Rwandan troops to promote the safe withdrawal of troops and equipment.
Shea said it would need to avoid overlapping peace efforts and take advantage of the comparative benefits of existing viable forums and mechanisms, including those supported by Monusco. “If local actors assume a role in which Monusco supports such a process, they should ensure that Monusco will sit at the table,” she said.
Diplomacy over military solutions
Two months after the M23 and Rwandan forces seized the sesame and subsequently expanded control to Bukabu and Walikare, Shia highlighted the urgency of sustained diplomatic pressures to resolve the crisis.
She reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting peace efforts and ensuring diplomatic solutions rather than military intervention, paving the way for long-term stability for Dr. Congo.
“We must abandon the fantasy of short-term military solutions in favour of durable peace that encourages regional and international investments that allow the Great Lakes region to benefit from its vast natural wealth,” Shea said.
The US called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to engage in diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation.
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She said the involvement of all parties in the East African Joint Community (EAC) and South African Development Community (SADC) process, particularly the commitment to reaching an unconditional, lasting ceasefire, is welcome.
The EAC and SADC convened a virtual second joint summit and appointed an expansion panel to lead Dr. Congo’s peace efforts after Angola retreated as a mediator. During the virtual summit, Kenya co-chair Bill Root and Zimbabwe SADC Chair Emerson Mnangawa agreed that political solutions should be pursued. While Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized ending injustice and political issues over peace, Ruto expressed concern over the escalation of Dr. Congo’s violence. Leaders approved the results of the Ministerial Meetings of the EAC and SADC. This outlined the stability roadmap amid escalation of violence by armed groups, including the territorial interests of the M23s that exacerbated humanitarian conditions.
Shea urged all parties to respect their commitment under the peace process, saying signing the communica- tion is the first step and requires meaningful follow-through.
“We will continue to look closely at the actions of the parties and be prepared to take further steps as needed,” Shea said.
