Source: United Nations (Video News)
Briefing reporters at UN headquarters, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to protecting civilians under international humanitarian law. “Following the fall of Goma on 28 January, more than 1,400 high-risk individuals—have sought protection, including civilians, women, and children,” she said.
However, Keita cautioned that the mission is facing significant challenges in sustaining this protection “due to the sheer number of individuals under our protection, managing with difficult living conditions and limited supplies for longer than anticipated,” she said.
Keita said, “MONUSCO urgently calls—and I insist, MONUSCO urgently calls—for a safe, dignified, and internationally supported solution for the transfer of these individuals to an alternative secure location, in full respect of their rights and choices.”
Keita also pointed to ongoing security threats posed by the M23 armed group, which has taken control of parts of North Kivu with backing from the Rwandan Defense Forces. “Freedom of movement restrictions, including roadblocks and 48-hour advance notification requirements, prevent the mission from protecting civilians and carrying out life-saving operations,” she said.
The UN official warned that the group’s ambitions extend beyond North Kivu. “Very public declarations and statements by AFC/M23—clearly repeated over time, including last week—show that the intent is to go up Kinshasa,” she said. Keita added that M23 forces are continuing their push southward, toward South Kivu and Tanganyika.
She further expressed concern over reports that AFC/M23 is attempting to consolidate political control in occupied areas. “What we see is the communication from AFC/M23… at the establishment of, the appointment of a governor for Goma or a mayor for Goma. And we understand that the same is happening for Bukavu,” she said.
Regarding MONUSCO’s ongoing operations, Keita clarified that the mission remains engaged in North Kivu despite significant restrictions. “With the conditions and requirements, we are still moving around,” she said, adding that SAMI DRC, a regional force, is also stationed in Goma while MONUSCO continues to fulfill its civilian protection mandate across other bases.
Keita also commented on an upcoming UN Security Council resolution on the crisis, that is scheduled today (Feb 21) saying her “expectation is that it’s going to be voted unanimously.”