A timetable for the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to fully withdraw, has yet to be agreed with the Government there, but constructive negotiations are continuing, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita has told UN News, in an in-depth interview.

The UN mission’s core mandate is protection of civilians, but in many places of the partially militia-controlled east, there’s simply no authority which can keep people safe, if MONUSCO pulls out.

And when it comes to fighting deadly misinformation, Ms. Keita said it has been a “painful curve”, but the mission has now become proactive on social and other media platforms, to help stop its spread.

Jerome Bernard, of our UN News French service, began by asking her what the minimum conditions would be for MONUSCO to responsibly draw down, and leave DRC.