By Sello Lentsoane | GOMA, DR Congo 

The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, James Swan, on Friday called for effective ceasefire monitoring during a visit to Goma, a strategic eastern city currently under the control of the Alliance Fleuve Congo March 23 Movement.

Swan, who also serves as Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, made the remarks upon arrival at Goma International Airport, which remains closed and continues to restrict humanitarian access.

He said Goma remains central to efforts to de-escalate the conflict, protect civilians and advance the ongoing peace process. Swan added that he would engage with the “de facto authorities” while assessing the conditions under which the United Nations mission can continue implementing its mandate in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

The visit marks Swan’s first trip to Goma since taking office on April 7. The city has been under the control of the armed group since January 2025. 

James Swan (R), head of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also known as MONUSCO, arrives in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), April 24, 2026. 

His visit follows talks held in Montreux, Switzerland, between the Congolese government and the armed group, where both sides reported progress on humanitarian access, judicial protection, the operationalisation of a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and the release of detainees.

Swan welcomed progress toward the signing of a protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection, urging both parties to uphold their commitments and move toward concluding an agreement.

He stressed that effective ceasefire monitoring would require several conditions, including a secure operating environment. These include an end to the use of offensive drones, as well as the cessation of GPS signal jamming and spoofing.

Before arriving in Goma, Swan visited Beni and Bunia, areas affected by ongoing insecurity linked to armed groups.

Despite developments in the peace process, the situation on the ground remains fragile, with continued fighting reported in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements.