The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 19 October to 24 October. The visit was an opportunity to assess first-hand recent developments regarding the political and security situation, as well as key challenges associated with the implementation of MONUSCO’s mandate.

During his visit, USG Lacroix met with national and provincial authorities, key political and civil society actors, including women and youth associations, religious leaders as well as relevant UN and non-UN partners. In Tanganyika, USG Lacroix was especially focus on MONUSCO’s transition. In North Kivu, he took stock of the Mission’s efforts to address continuing political and security challenges and exchanged on ways the UN can best address these challenges.

Mr. Lacroix also interacted with MONUSCO staff to express his support and appreciation for their work, under trying circumstances, including the impact of COVID-19 on UN personnel and operations.