On Saturday, June 28, 2025, during his working visit to Uvira in South Kivu province, Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, indicated that the signing of a major agreement in Washington between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda is reviving hopes for peace in the Great Lakes region.

"This agreement represents a decisive step toward the return of peace in eastern DRC, particularly in South Kivu," Mr. Lemarquis said following a meeting with provincial authorities. He commended this initiative, emphasizing that the United Nations supports all peace efforts, whether national, regional, or international.

According to him, this agreement should not be seen as a miracle solution, but as a key link in a series of actions necessary for the stabilization of the region. He specified that the document signed in Washington explicitly mentions MONUSCO (UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), calling on stakeholders to enable the UN mission to fulfill its mandate, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu.

Gradual return of MONUSCO to Uvira

Mr. Lemarquis's visit is part of discussions on security in Uvira and Baraka, with a view to the return of the UN system to the region. "We wish to support the legitimate provincial authorities during this critical period. That is our mission as the United Nations," he stated.

For South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, the presence of the UN representative is an encouraging signal. He expressed his gratitude to MONUSCO for its discreet but decisive support in peace efforts and the facilitation of humanitarian actions.

He also commended the constant diplomatic engagement of President Félix Tshisekedi since 2019, noting that this agreement between the DRC and Rwanda is the result of this international strategy.

"This partnership carries hope for the populations of affected territories, often victims of grave human rights violations, including sexual violence, torture, and looting," he stated.

Launch of a humanitarian corridor

Another major announcement concerns the imminent opening of a humanitarian corridor. The governor confirmed that, starting Wednesday, July 2, a permanent framework for cooperation between the provincial government, humanitarian actors, and development actors will be established.

This corridor aims to facilitate humanitarian organizations' access to areas under M23 control as well as those administered by the State. "We must end harassment and multiple barriers to allow the population to live in peace," emphasized Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki.

He called for smooth collaboration among all parties and the immediate release of any humanitarian worker unjustly detained. "These men and women are there to help. We must be flexible in our cooperation," he added.

Discussions between the UN representative and provincial authorities also focused on strengthening humanitarian aid and development support in the Uvira region. A mission led by the vice-governor is currently underway in several territories, including Fizi, Mwenga, Kamituga, and Shabunda, to assess needs on the ground.

Joséphine Mungubi