The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Bintou Keita, has met with leaders of the M23 rebel group, also known as the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23), as part of efforts to calm tensions in eastern Congo.
Keita said she came to Goma “in a spirit of listening and exchange,” just days before she is due to brief the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the country.
“This visit comes at a critical time, with tensions still high,” she said.
During her visit, Keita held talks with the M23 leadership as part of ongoing efforts to promote peace and protect civilians. She noted that these discussions have been taking place for several months, with support from different groups.
One of the recent outcomes of this cooperation was the transfer of 1,359 Congolese army and police officers (FARDC and PNC) from Goma to the capital Kinshasa.
This operation was made possible through a joint effort involving MONUSCO, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Congolese government, and the M23.
Keita said the M23 has shown interest in finding a peaceful way out of the crisis, and that MONUSCO remains ready to support any peace efforts.
“MONUSCO is committed to helping reduce tensions,” she said. “The leaders of AFC/M23 have expressed their willingness to find a peaceful solution, and we are ready to support all ongoing peace efforts.”
The meeting comes at a time of continued violence in eastern Congo, where several armed groups remain active. While MONUSCO is preparing to gradually withdraw from the country, Keita’s visit shows that the UN is still involved in efforts to bring peace to the region.
