Rwanda, MONUSCO Discuss DR Congo Security.
The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), James Swan, arrived in Kigali on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, where he held talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing security challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The talks were also attended by Huang Xia, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Africa’s Great Lakes Region.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement outlining the issues discussed during the meeting.
“The discussions focused on developments in the region, particularly the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region,” the statement said.
In March 2026, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed James Swan as the new head of MONUSCO, replacing Bintou Keita.
The Washington Agreement, signed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi in December 2025, provides for MONUSCO to support all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and security between the two neighbouring countries. This includes supporting the implementation of key provisions agreed upon under the agreement.
The agreement provides for the disarmament of the Kinshasa-backed FDLR militia, which includes individuals who participated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In return, Rwanda is expected to lift its defensive measures.
The agreement also calls on both sides to support mechanisms for maintaining peace and security in the region, establish joint mechanisms to assess the implementation of the agreement, facilitate MONUSCO’s efforts to protect civilians, and support the fulfilment of all its responsibilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The agreement further calls on both parties to respect MONUSCO’s freedom to take measures to protect the security of United Nations personnel operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to recognize MONUSCO’s role in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Efforts to restore peace and security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are also addressed under the Doha Agreement, particularly provisions concerning the Congolese people themselves, which are intended to complement the Washington Agreement.
While the Washington Agreement outlines measures to restore security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and address diplomatic issues between Kigali and Kinshasa, including the issue of the FDLR’s intimidation, the Doha Agreement brought together the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the opposition alliance, AFC/M23, to seek a lasting solution to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and address the root causes of the conflict.
Under the Doha Agreement, MONUSCO has also been tasked with supporting peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This includes supporting measures aimed at encouraging the various armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to lay down their weapons.
MONUSCO is also expected to provide the necessary support and resources to help monitor the implementation of the agreements, including transportation, communication costs and other logistical requirements.
