Mr. Ntumba Vicky is appointed Chief of Staff for the Political Coordination of AFC/M23.

 

USA diplomat James Swan officially took office this Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of Congo and head of MONUSCO

 

American diplomat James Swan officially took office this Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of Congo and head of MONUSCO. His appointment comes amid persistent insecurity in the east of the country.

Adopted in December 2025 by the UN Security Council, resolution 2808 renews the mandate of the UN mission until December 20, 2026, while redefining its priorities in light of the evolving situation on the ground.

A mandate adapted to a persistent crisis

Unlike previous mandates, Resolution 2808 marks a pause in the gradual disengagement of MONUSCO, due to the continued and persistent deterioration of the security situation in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu where MONUSCO is to monitor the ceasefire.

The text also incorporates new diplomatic frameworks, including the Washington Peace Agreement, signed in June 2025 between the DRC and Rwanda, as well as the Doha Peace Agreement, concluded in November of the same year.

In this context, MONUSCO is called upon to play an increased role in supporting a permanent ceasefire, particularly through a monitoring and verification mechanism.

New threats and a strengthened response

The resolution expresses grave concern over the use of sophisticated military technologies by armed groups, including surface-to-air missiles and suicide drones.

To address this, the mission is authorized to conduct targeted offensive operations via its intervention brigade, in order to neutralize armed groups active in the East of the country.

The text also emphasizes the fight against impunity, the protection of children and the strengthening of judicial mechanisms, particularly in matters of sexual violence.

Pressure on armed groups and international demands

The resolution strongly condemns the offensives of the AFC/M23 and demands the withdrawal of Rwandan forces (RDF) from Congolese territory.

It also tasks MONUSCO with monitoring the implementation of the arms embargo, as well as GPS jamming practices, which are increasingly used in conflict zones.

Finally, the Security Council provides for sanctions against any attack targeting UN peacekeepers or UN personnel, and demands the immediate lifting of any restrictions on the freedom of movement of the mission.

With this strengthened mandate, James Swan inherits a complex mission, called upon to combine military action, diplomacy and the protection of civilians in one of the most fragile security contexts in the world.

Kony's LRA lays deadly attack on village of Bale.

Early morning  of today I received Intelligence (HUMINT & OSINT which I hesitantly lead a proof survey on until this evening) that in the night of April 3-4, the village of Bale, located in the Ebale group in the Sasa chiefdom, was targeted by an incursion from LRA rebels. This attack resulted in the abduction of thirteen children and caused significant material damage.

According to our sources who travelled to Bale,the attackers notably targeted the Kpokpo health center, where several essential medical equipment items were destroyed. Shops in the village were also looted, exacerbating the precarious situation of the already vulnerable residents.

Faced with this situation, the intelligence  collection from civilians reveal them denouncing the persistent insecurity, fueled by the porous border with the Central African Republic. It calls for an urgent strengthening of the armed forces' capabilities and communication infrastructure to enable rapid intervention in the event of new threats.

This is another serious warning about the fragile security situation in this isolated part of the country, where civilian populations remain the first victims and the alert goes to both UPDF and FARDC .

...NE....

For God and my Country!

13 M23 fighters surrender to the FARDC, a Rwandan helicopter shot down in Muramvya

Thirteen fighters of the M23-AFC and the Twirwaneho group, from Minembwe-Centre, voluntarily surrendered to the FARDC in Mikenge Fizi, laying down their weapons (AK-47). Presented to Colonel MPANGA BANZE Guilly, these elements were taken care of as part of the surrender and demobilization process. At the same time, after the recapture of Muramvya village, the FARDC destroyed a Rwandan helicopter that came with reinforcements to support its troops trapped in Minembwe as reported by MBUYI KALONJI Reagan – SLt/Spokesperson Operations School 2 South South Kivui.

ADF attacks mambasa ,kills and burns houses

Dark night in Mambasa after an ADF attack, houses burned, one injured and several people abducted (provisional balance sheet) The night of Sunday to Monday, April 6, was marked by an attack attributed to ADF rebels in Mambasa center, the capital of Mambasa territory, about 170 km from Bunia. Repelled by the FARDC, the raid caused significant damage. According to local sources, at least two houses were set on fire, a civilian injured by bullets and several people abducted. Shops and pharmacies were looted, while facilities of the company SMEC, engaged in the rehabilitation of the Mambasa-Dingbo road, were also affected .

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Security alert! Al-Shabaab’s Increased Reliance on Foreign Fighters for Suicide Operations

According to credible sources, Al-Shabaab has, in recent years, significantly expanded its use of foreign fighters in suicide missions, including Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs),  person-borne improvised explosive device (PBIED and complex, coordinated attacks.

The foreign operatives deployed in these missions have primarily originated from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.Military Intelligence assessments indicate that a substantial number of these individuals remain embedded within Al-Shabaab’s operational structure, where they are being systematically recruited, indoctrinated, and trained specifically for martyrdom operations.

Available reporting suggests that the number of foreign fighters currently assigned to Al-Shabaab’s suicide operations unit ranges between approximately 60 and 80 individuals. These operatives are largely drawn from Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ethiopian (notably Oromo) backgrounds. historically FF within AS participated suicide missions with the number counted nearly 35 suiciders. 

Meanwhile, there has been a marked decline in Al-Shabaab’s external operations targeting neighboring countries. The group had previously intended to redeploy operatives back into their countries of origin to conduct terrorist attacks. However, this strategy has been significantly disrupted due to enhanced counterterrorism measures, tightened border security, and improved intelligence-sharing and operational coordination among security agencies across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.

..NE......

For God and my Country....

Attempted evasion of kakwangura central prison in butembo

An attempted escape was recorded at Kakwangura Central Prison, Butembo, on the night of Thursday to Friday, April 3, at around 02:45. According to security sources, six inmates were believed to be involved in the escape. Among them, one was captured by prison guards, another was killed during the intervention, while four are still on the run. The exact circumstances of this escape remain to be determined, but an investigation would be underway to shed light on this security incident within the prison facility.