MONUSCO Plans Aerial Reconnaissance Over Uvira Ahead of Gradual Ground Deployment

Uvira South Kivu February 10, 2026 - The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing a gradual resumption of operations in the country’s east, beginning with aerial reconnaissance flights over Uvira, pending security guarantees. According to a UN source, the mission intends to launch reconnaissance flights as a first step, to be followed by a limited ground deployment, and eventually a progressive increase in troop presence, subject to recommendations expected before March. Officials stress that “nothing will be done without security guarantees,” a message reportedly conveyed to relevant parties and diplomatic representatives. Securing Uvira, in South Kivu, is described as a key priority during this initial phase. The operational timeline foresees the reopening of the air route, followed by surveillance flights, and then a possible ground deployment if conditions permit. No official figures have been disclosed regarding the number of personnel to be deployed. The stated objective of this phase is to support the implementation of the ceasefire, with MONUSCO expected to initiate its verification and observation mandate. However, the United Nations underscores that it cannot single-handedly guarantee the success of peace efforts. The process also depends on the engagement of the agreement’s guarantors, notably the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. This phased return would precede the approval of a full operational mandate expected in March, particularly concerning South Kivu. The UN aims to rapidly re-establish its footprint on the ground while preparing recommendations focused on operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.