Addressing the UN Security Council on September 30, 2025, Ms. Keita said the M23-affiliated group has expanded its activities and consolidated control over occupied territories, ignoring numerous Council demands outlined in February.

 Those resolutions called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, withdrawal from cities such as Goma and Bukavu, and a halt to the establishment of parallel authorities challenging the government.

Ms. Keita highlighted a humanitarian crisis, reporting that since June, MONUSCO has received a surge in people seeking refuge in AFC/M23-controlled areas. She noted that Rutshuru in July saw the deadliest single incident since the group began fighting in late November 2021, underscoring the gap between UN resolutions and reality on the ground.

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The Special Representative called on the Security Council and all relevant parties to take urgent action to reach agreements that would end the fighting and establish lasting peace in the region.

While Ms. Keita made no remarks on the FDLR. Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting the FDLR, while Kinshasa denies the allegations and claims Rwanda uses the group as justification to undermine Congolese sovereignty.

Keita emphasized the international community’s commitment to restoring peace, citing efforts by countries including the United States, Qatar, and regional organizations such as the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC).