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MONUSCO force commander says M23 controls parts of North Kivu; forces ready to deploy
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Summary
The Force Commander of the United Nations mission in the DRC said M23 controls significant areas of North Kivu, that MONUSCO is prioritizing protection of civilians, and that ongoing negotiations with Security Council members and regional governments are focused on enabling operations and a proposed buffer zone.
The Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) said the M23 armed group controls large areas of North Kivu and that MONUSCO forces are prepared to deploy if given the authority to do so.
“The situation in Eastern DRC is unstable. We are facing problems with different armored groups. Right now, we have the whole part of the North Kivu under m 23, illegal armed group control,” the Force Commander said, adding that MONUSCO’s mandate is “mainly protection of civilians.”
The commander said most MONUSCO troops are concentrated in the northern part of the mission area, estimating that “up to the North, almost 60%, 65%” of forces are positioned there. He said MONUSCO is strengthening a partnership with “FRC troops” and awaiting decisions from Security Council members to resume operations in a central sector currently under M23 control.
“We don't have any problem with freedom of movement because we are strengthening, our partnership with, FRC troops,” he said. He further said negotiations are under way involving the United States, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the government of Rwanda aimed at establishing a buffer zone; he said MONUSCO “is ready to deploy and to stop the Caesar fire, agreement.”
The commander framed MONUSCO’s posture as focused on civilian protection and noted the continuity of leadership: “Also, I am continuing the legacy of others Brazilian generals that have been working as force commander. And for me, it's an honor to represent these generals in this the biggest, UN peacekeeping, around the world. So for me, it's an honor.”
The remarks combine operational details (troop distribution and partnerships) with diplomatic context (ongoing negotiations with Security Council members and regional governments). The statement did not specify precise locations for any new deployments, timelines for decisions by the Security Council, or formal changes to MONUSCO’s mandate.