The arrival of the newly appointed acting head of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in Goma on Thursday did little to assuage local skepticism about prospects for peace, as residents voiced deep distrust in diplomatic efforts to end the protracted conflict.
Civilians in the eastern city, which was seized by the AFC/M23 rebel group over a year ago, expressed doubt that Vivian van de Perre’s visit would translate into tangible security improvements. Resident David Chimuda dismissed the mission as a “distraction,” pointing to a long history of unfulfilled ceasefires. “There have been so many ceasefires announced over a long period, yet they do nothing at all,” he said.
His sentiment was shared by Pascal Bahati, who noted the grim continuity of violence. “Twenty years ago there was war, and today the war is still here and people are dying. There is really no difference, MONUSCO does nothing at all,” Bahati stated, referencing the decades of instability in the region.
This pervasive cynicism persists despite ongoing international mediation. A U.S.-brokered agreement between the governments of the DRC and Rwanda aims to de-escalate tensions, and negotiations with the M23 continue. Nevertheless, fighting continues on multiple fronts, undermining trust in any process.
The enduring conflict has precipitated one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies. According to the U.N. refugee agency, over 7 million people are internally displaced within the DRC, with eastern provinces bearing the brunt of the crisis. Goma, a vital hub for aid and commerce, remains a focal point of both military activity and human suffering.
MONUSCO, whose mandate includes protecting civilians and supporting the Congolese army, now faces the formidable challenge of demonstrating concrete results amid profound local disillusionment. The mission’s ability to facilitate a durable ceasefire between the national military (FARDC) and the M23 is seen as a critical benchmark, but past failures have eroded confidence.
The situation underscores the complex interplay of military, political, and humanitarian dimensions in the DRC’s east. As diplomatic efforts continue, the gap between high-level negotiations and the daily reality for residents like Chimuda and Bahati remains stark, highlighting the long road toward sustainable peace in the region.
