UN mission chief reports 632 civilians killed in eastern DRC since March 19

James Swan, the head of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), presented a grim report to the UN Security Council detailing significant loss of life and severe human rights abuses linked to armed conflicts in the country's eastern provinces. Since March 19, MONUSCO has documented 632 civilian deaths in North Kivu and Ituri, regions plagued by ongoing violence.

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632 civilians killed since March 19 in North Kivu and Ituri.

The UN Joint Human Rights Office has recorded an even higher toll, with 1,221 violations and abuses affecting 2,968 victims, including women and children. Swan condemned the persistent conflict-related sexual violence, perpetrated by armed groups and elements of the security forces, underscoring the grave human cost of the ongoing instability.

Despite these challenges, MONUSCO is intensifying its efforts to facilitate humanitarian access and support peace initiatives. The mission has increased patrols and deployed mobile operational bases in affected areas. Since March, over 2,100 joint patrols have been conducted with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), alongside coordinated operations with the national police. Furthermore, MONUSCO has supported local peace mechanisms and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, facilitating the repatriation of over 300 ex-combatants and their dependents to Rwanda between March and June.

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1,221 human rights violations and abuses, resulting in 2,968 victims, including women and children.

Diplomatically, Swan has engaged in extensive consultations with Congolese authorities, civil society, the AFC/M23 group, and regional actors, including UN Special Envoy Huang Xia and mediation teams from the African Union. He reiterated MONUSCO's commitment to its mandate, focusing on civilian protection, security sector reform, disarmament, stabilization, and support for dialogue and a lasting ceasefire in the DRC.

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The Mission continues its support for local peace mechanisms and disarmament and reintegration programs. Between March and June, more than 300 ex-combatants and their dependents were repatriated to Rwanda in coordination with the relevant authorities.