United Nations (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27 Mar 2026) Pakistan He called on the United Nations to strengthen the role of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to intensify stabilization efforts as security continues to deteriorate in the conflict-torn eastern region of the central African country.
“We believe that MONUSCO remains in a unique position to support stabilization efforts and protect civilians,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council, which discussed the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Thursday.
“The mission’s institutional expertise, logistical reach, and presence in key population centers are critical,” he said, citing the UN Secretary-General’s recent report.
This underscores the urgent need to stabilize the situation and the continued importance of MONUSCO as a neutral force capable of supporting peace and strengthening protection efforts.
MONUSCO has been present in the DRC since July 2010, replacing the previous UN peacekeeping operation in the conflict resulting from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in neighboring Rwanda. The mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo includes protecting civilians and helping the Democratic Republic of the Congo achieve stability and promote peace.
The 15-member council’s discussion came as clashes intensified between Rwandan-backed rebel militia groups, the ADF and M23, and forces supporting the government in Kinshasa in Kivu, despite the M23 militia’s withdrawal from Uvira in January.
The violence is also spreading towards Burundi’s borders, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Expressing concern over the continued deterioration of the security situation in North and South Kivu, the Pakistani envoy said that despite commitments made under the Doha Framework and the Washington Agreement, the M23/M23 coalition continues its attacks and territorial expansion, undermining confidence in peace processes and further complicating the ability of MONUSCO to implement its mandate.
Ambassador Asim Ahmed said: “We stress the urgent need for the full implementation of Resolution 2773, including the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of the March 23 Movement from areas under its control, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
In this regard, he also drew attention to the Secretary-General’s report highlighting the operational impact of the funding cuts on the mission.
The Pakistani envoy noted that a total of 2,674 MONUSCO soldiers, military experts, police personnel and civilian staff have been repatriated or downsized amid cuts in funding for UN peacekeeping operations. These reductions have negatively affected the implementation of that mandate, as well as the safety and security of peacekeepers.
In this context, he said that any additional responsibilities assigned to MONUSCO – including potential ceasefire monitoring missions – must be “matched by proportionate resources”.
Ambassador Asim Ahmed reiterates Pakistan’s support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting political solution.
“We recognize the centrality of the facilitation efforts led by the African Union and the important roles played by Qatar under the Doha Framework, the United States through the Washington Agreement and the United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region,” he said, adding that these initiatives must remain mutually supportive and grounded in respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Initially, Viviane van de Berry, the Mission’s Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations, said the Blue Helmets would continue their full range of activities in Ituri, supporting the ceasefire as well as providing protection to civilians in North Kivu – focusing exclusively on ceasefire-related tasks in South Kivu.
The UN official said that in Ituri province “the situation remains alarming” as rebel attacks have caused casualties, displacement and damage to infrastructure.
“The recent hostilities between the government and M23 have also been characterized by the increased use of attack drones, as well as continued jamming and spoofing of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals,” Ms. Van de Per said.
Attacks from another rebel group, the Allied Democratic Forces, have also resumed in Mambasa region, far from their traditional areas of operations.
“Despite these challenges, diplomatic efforts to support the implementation of ongoing peace processes continue,” Ms. Van de Per said.
She welcomed the renewed commitment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to move forward with the Washington Agreements following their meeting in the US capital on March 17-18, where the two sides agreed on concrete steps to implement the peace agreement and ease tensions.