James Swan takes the helm of MONUSCO amid security crisis in DRC

James Swan officially took office as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in the DRC and head of MONUSCO on April 7, 2026. His appointment comes amid ongoing insecurity in the eastern part of the country, prompting an adaptation of the UN mission's mandate, renewed until December 20, 2026. Resolution 2808 allows MONUSCO to conduct targeted offensive operations against armed groups and emphasizes the protection of children and the fight against impunity.