Speaking after landing at Goma Airport, Ms. van de Perre highlighted the symbolic and operational significance of her visit, signalling the gradual reopening of the airport, which has remained closed since late January 2025.
'Over a year ago, on January 26, 2025, I was on the last plane to land in Goma. And today, I am on the first helicopter to land again, and I hope this marks the beginning of the gradual reopening of Goma airport for the benefit of the population,' she said.
The interim MONUSCO chief said her visit aims to operationalise the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism agreed upon by the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance.
'Verification procedures, coordination, communication, and practical conditions will be put in place to ensure the mechanism functions credibly. MONUSCO will continue to support the ongoing peace process,' she stated, adding that her visit aims to engage relevant stakeholders and advance practical preparations.
Ms. van de Perre confirmed that MONUSCO plans to deploy its first aerial reconnaissance mission to Uvira in the coming days, stressing that all operations remain strictly within the UN Security Council mandate and respect DRC sovereignty.
The visit follows months of diplomatic efforts to consolidate peace in eastern DRC. In October 2025, the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha, establishing a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to investigate and prevent violations. Observers from the United States, the African Union, and Qatar are also part of the mechanism.
Goma International Airport has been closed since January 2025, when M23 rebels took control of the city following clashes with government forces.
Rania Umutoni
