The decision, communicated in an official memorandum dated February 1, 2025, was issued by Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security. It follows a recommendation from Bintou Keita, the UN's Designated Official for the DRC, in consultation with the Security Management Team (SMT).
Michaud stated, "Due to the prevailing security situation in Kinshasa, the Designated Official, in consultation with the Security Management Team, has recommended implementing family restrictions for eligible family members of United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) internationally recruited personnel."
He further emphasized that, in response to these recommendations, "I hereby authorize the evacuation of the eligible family members of UNSMS internationally recruited personnel from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo."
The memorandum was addressed to all Security Focal Points and Alternates of Organizations of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), the HR Network, the ICSC Secretariat, and UNDSS Headquarters Personnel.
Copies were also sent to Ms. Bintou Keita, the UN Designated Official for the DRC, and Mr. Nathan Danquah, the Principal Security Adviser for the country.
According to Michaud, each UNSMS organization will determine the evacuation destination for their staff's family members. He concluded by stating, "On behalf of the Secretary-General, I approve the DO recommendations with immediate effect."
While the memo does not specify the immediate cause of concern, the decision aligns with the UNSMS Security Policy Manual, Chapter IV, Section D, which outlines risk avoidance measures for personnel in volatile environments.
Sam K Nkurunziza
