DRC Prime Minister, MONUSCO Chief Discuss East Peace and Ebola Response

Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka held crucial talks with James Swan, the new head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), focusing on the escalating conflict in the East and the fight against a resurgent Ebola outbreak.

Swan, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in DRC, briefed the Prime Minister on diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace. These include the Washington and Doha processes, as well as efforts by the African Union to protect civilians and bring stability to the war-torn eastern regions. He reiterated MONUSCO's mandate to support these peace efforts, emphasizing the protection of civilians, adherence to ceasefires, and the need for a coordinated response aligned with national priorities.

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MONUSCO is reinforcing its presence on the ground, securing health operations and protecting medical teams, humanitarian workers, and health infrastructure.

The discussions also addressed the worrying resurgence of Ebola in the Ituri province. Swan assured the Prime Minister that MONUSCO is increasing its field presence to safeguard health operations and protect medical personnel, humanitarian workers, and vital health infrastructure. He stressed that only a concerted and decentralized approach, involving close cooperation between the Congolese government and the UN system, can effectively tackle the complex security and humanitarian challenges facing the nation.

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Only a concerted and decentralized response will allow us to meet the security and humanitarian challenges.