On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the acting head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Vivian van de Perre, arrived in the strategic eastern city of Goma. This visit marks a pivotal moment for international diplomacy in the region, as the city remains under the administrative control of the M23 armed group.
The arrival of the UN delegation is being hailed as a major logistical and diplomatic breakthrough. For months, air access to Goma had been severely restricted due to the intense conflict surrounding the city. MONUSCO officials described the successful landing as an “important milestone” that effectively ends a prolonged and dangerous interruption of humanitarian and diplomatic air corridors.
A Mandate for a Permanent Ceasefire
Upon her arrival, Van de Perre issued a firm call for an immediate cessation of hostilities across the eastern DRC. She emphasized that the mission’s presence is guided by international law and a clear humanitarian objective.
“In accordance with Security Council Resolution 2808 of 2025, MONUSCO is mandated to support a permanent ceasefire,” Van de Perre stated during a press briefing in the city. “Our goal is to transition from active conflict to a sustainable peace that protects the lives of millions of civilians.”
The situation in Goma has been critical since January 2025, when M23 fighters seized the city during a lightning offensive. That military campaign claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises in central Africa.
Aerial Reconnaissance and Verifiable Peace
The acting mission chief used the visit to outline concrete operational plans for the coming weeks. A major part of this strategy involves the use of advanced technology to monitor troop movements and ensure that all parties adhere to peace agreements.
Upcoming Mission Milestones:
- Uvira Deployment: MONUSCO will soon launch its first aerial reconnaissance mission in Uvira to monitor the security situation along the southern axis.
- Border Security: A dedicated mission will be deployed along the DRC-Burundi border within the next few weeks to prevent the cross-border flow of illicit arms and fighters.
- Coordination Mechanisms: The UN is establishing verification procedures to ensure that any reported ceasefire violations are documented and addressed through credible international channels.
“My visit aims to engage with the relevant interlocutors,” Van de Perre explained. “We are moving forward with concrete preparations to ensure the peace mechanism functions in a credible manner. This includes improved communication and practical conditions on the ground.”
The Resurgence of M23 and Regional Diplomacy
The M23 rebel group has been a dominant force in the region since its resurgence five years ago. Their ability to seize and hold Goma—a city of over one million people—has significantly challenged the authority of the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
However, the international community is ramping up its diplomatic pressure. Angola has emerged as a key mediator in the conflict. In recent weeks, Luanda has intensified efforts to bridge the gap between the Congolese army and M23 leadership. Angola recently proposed a new truce, which was scheduled to take effect this past Wednesday. While the situation remains fragile, the arrival of the UN mission head in Goma suggests that diplomatic channels are slowly reopening.
Challenges to Long-Term Stability
Despite the optimistic tone of the UN visit, significant hurdles remain. The eastern DRC is a complex landscape of overlapping ethnic tensions, competition over mineral resources, and regional political rivalries.
Key Obstacles to Peace in 2026:
- Trust Deficit: Both the Congolese government and M23 have accused each other of violating previous truces.
- Displacement Crisis: Over 6 million people remain displaced across the country, many lacking basic access to food and medicine.
- Logistical Constraints: The rugged terrain of North and South Kivu makes monitoring the vast region difficult for even the most advanced UN aerial units.
Conclusion: A Fragile Window of Opportunity
The visit of Vivian van de Perre to Goma represents more than just a logistical feat; it is a sign that the international community is not willing to abandon the eastern DRC to perpetual conflict. By refocusing on Security Council Resolution 2808, the UN is signaling a return to structured, verifiable peace processes.
As the reconnaissance missions in Uvira begin and the border patrols with Burundi take shape, the world will be watching to see if this “important milestone” can truly lead to a permanent silence of the guns. For the people of Goma, who have lived under the shadow of the M23 since January 2025, the arrival of the UN chief offers a rare glimmer of hope in a long and difficult struggle for stability.
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