The spokesperson for MONUSCO has confirmed that Bintou Keita, the Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will step down at the end of November — earlier than the previously planned date of February 2026.
Ndeye Khady Lo, MONUSCO’s spokesperson, stated that the decision was made personally by Keita.
The announcement comes amid days of speculation suggesting that Bintou Keita was under investigation for alleged misconduct. MONUSCO firmly dismissed those claims, stating in an official communiqué that no investigation is underway and that she has not been subjected to any disciplinary measures.
The statement also reiterated that the United Nations operates under strict principles of neutrality and independence in all its missions.
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Following Keita’s departure, MONUSCO leadership will temporarily be handled by two deputies representing the UN Secretary-General — one in charge of Protection and Operations, and the other overseeing Resident and Humanitarian Coordination. This arrangement will remain in place until a new mission chief is appointed.
Radio Okapi, the UN-supported broadcaster, reported that during her nearly five-year tenure, Keita led MONUSCO “through extremely challenging circumstances” in the DRC. The UN Secretary-General also expressed deep appreciation for her commitment and leadership throughout her service.
However, her time at the helm of MONUSCO was not without controversy. Rwandan officials repeatedly accused Keita of bias toward the Congolese government amid tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa. Critics also argued that under her leadership, the mission failed to meet its core mandate of protecting civilians and stabilizing conflict-hit regions.
MONUSCO forces have long faced public scrutiny in the DRC, with accusations ranging from ineffective peacekeeping to alleged cooperation with armed groups and involvement in illegal mineral exploitation. MONUSCO, however, maintains that Keita fulfilled her responsibilities effectively and delivered the results she was mandated to achieve.
The mission was originally expected to complete its withdrawal from the DRC by December 2025.
Keita’s resignation comes just as the UN Security Council prepares to vote on extending MONUSCO’s mandate for one more year, through December 2026.
Who is Bintou Keita?
Bintou Keita was born in Guinea in 1958. She holds a degree in social economics from the University of Paris II and a postgraduate degree in administration and corporate management from the University of Paris IX.
She has more than 30 years of experience in peacebuilding, security, development, humanitarian affairs, and human rights — particularly in conflict and post-conflict environments.
Keita joined the United Nations in 1989 and went on to serve in several leadership roles across UNICEF country offices in Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Madagascar, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Burundi, and at UNICEF headquarters.
Between January 2019 and her appointment at MONUSCO, she served as Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations.
She previously held several senior positions, including:
- 2017–2018: Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations
- 2015–2017: Deputy Joint Special Representative for UNAMID in Sudan
- 2015: Head of the Ebola crisis response in Sierra Leone
- 2007–2010: Deputy Executive Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Burundi (BINUB)
Her long career has positioned her as one of the most experienced African women in high-level UN peace operations.
