MONUSCO : Bintou Keita Steps Down From

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC- MONUSCO, Bintou Keita has stepped down from her position after nearly five years at the helm of the mission. A press release by MONUSCO, on November 30, 2025, described her early departure, which was initially expected in February 2026, as a personal decision. The mission praised the Guinean diplomat for “her dedication, leadership and exemplary professionalism.” Her early departure aligns with the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2765, which sets MONUSCO’s final withdrawal date for December 20, 2025. It comes at a time when the UN is transitioning out of its peacekeeping role in the DRC, prompting leadership changes and operational downsizing.
‎Bintou Keita was first appointed in January 2021, succeeding Algeria's Leila Zerrougui. She became the second woman and first woman from sub-Saharan Africa to lead the MONUSCO. Her tenure was marked by several crises. Just a few months after her nomination, she coordinated the response to the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano near Goma. At least 32 people died and over 400,000 had to evacuate. In 2022, MONUSCO faced protests in Goma, Beni, and Butembo. Protesters denounced the rise of insecurity and inaction of the UN in the region. The unrest killed at least 36 people, including four UN peacekeepers. In recent years, Keita had to deal with renewed violence fr...