The Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Bintou Keita, met on Friday with leaders of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23 rebel group.
Bintou Keita is currently in Goma, a city under M23 control since Thursday, June 12.
On Friday, she and her delegation were received by senior leaders of M23/AFC, including the alliance’s coordinator Corneille Nangaa and his deputy Bertrand Bisimwa.
MONUSCO stated on its official X (Twitter) account that the purpose of the meeting was to “discuss the implementation of the mission’s mandate, including the protection of civilians.”
Upon arriving in Goma on Thursday, Keita stated that she came to stand in solidarity with the city’s residents and MONUSCO staff.
She said: “I came to listen to you and stand with the people of Goma and the MONUSCO staff. Your resilience is evident to all.”
This marks the first time Keita has set foot in Goma since M23 seized control of the city at the end of January this year.
Her meeting with M23 leaders comes despite the group’s repeated accusations against MONUSCO troops, whom they allege have sided with the Congolese government army in their ongoing conflict.
