Washington, DC, 27 March 2023 - Today, Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (), visited Washington, DC, to exchange views with US Government and World Bank officials about the current situation in the DRC. During her trip, among other themes, Ms. Keita emphasized the importance of including women and youth in political processes.

SRSG Bintou Keita (second from right) with Soukeyna Kane (far left) at the World Bank. Photo: UNIC Washington

While in Washington, DC, Ms. Keita visited the United States Department of State and met with officials, including Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, and David McFarland, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs. At the World bank, she met with Soukeyna Kane, Director of Fragility, Conflict and Violence. She also met with Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff.

SRSG Bintou Keita (second from left) meeting with Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff on the Hill. Photo: UNIC Washington

MONUSCO's mandate includes the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under threat of physical violence, and support to the Government of the DRC in stabilizing and strengthening State institutions. As of June 2022, more than 18,000 UN personnel have been deployed in the DRC for this mission.