James Swan Appointed Head of MONUSCO

KINSHASA, March 5, 2026 - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of American diplomat James Swan as the new Special Representative for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). He succeeds Bintou Keita of Guinea, whom Guterres thanked for her service to the mission.

James Swan is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Africa, particularly in countries undergoing complex political and security transitions. He previously served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and headed the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) from March 2025, having also held the role on an interim basis since May 2024. He led the United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) from 2019 to 2022.

Before joining the UN, Swan completed a 32-year career in the U.S. government, with several assignments related to the DRC, including as U.S. Ambassador to the DRC (2013-2016), Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Embassy (2001-2004), and Desk Officer (1996-1998). He also served as U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti (2008-2011), Special Representative for Somalia (2011-2013), and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (2006-2008), with additional postings in Congo-Brazzaville, Somalia, Cameroon, Nicaragua, and Haiti.

Swan holds degrees from Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, and the National War College, and is fluent in French.