The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, has expressed support for the United Nations peacekeeping mission MONUSCO to remain in the country, according to UN Deputy Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Beni, North Kivu Province, Lacroix said he held discussions with senior Congolese officials, including President Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, who both signaled their backing for an extended MONUSCO presence.
“The clear message I received from the President of the DRC as well as the Prime Minister is that the Congolese leadership wants MONUSCO to stay in the country, continue its mission, and even strengthen our cooperation,” Lacroix said.
His remarks come just days before the UN General Assembly in New York, scheduled for September 9, where insecurity in eastern DRC is expected to feature prominently on the agenda. In the coming months, the UN Security Council will also review whether MONUSCO’s mandate should be renewed or phased out.
Tshisekedi’s latest stance marks a shift from his earlier position. In the past, he criticized MONUSCO for failing to deliver results and openly called for the mission’s withdrawal. However, his tone has changed following recent developments in the conflict-ridden east, where MONUSCO has committed to supporting Congolese forces in their fight against the M23/AFC rebels.
The potential renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate will be closely watched both in Congo and internationally, as the mission remains a critical yet controversial player in efforts to stabilize the region.
