This Week in Peace #113: A concise roundup of global peacekeeping updates
As conflicts continue to shape regional dynamics, this week’s peacekeeping brief highlights three important developments across Africa and South Asia. From the DRC’s UN mission facilitating the return of former combatants to the precarious security situation in Jonglei, South Sudan, and Pakistan’s emphasis on peace as a prerequisite for development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the threads binding these stories are the ongoing efforts to turn fragile ceasefires into lasting stability. Here is a focused look at each item and why it matters for peace prospects in 2026.
1) DRC: UN peacekeeping facilitates repatriation of 15 former Rwandan rebels
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) reported the repatriation of 15 former Rwandan rebels this week. The move is part of a broader reconciliation and reintegration program intended to reduce armed actors’ influence in the eastern DRC. Repatriation efforts aim to diminish localized cycles of retaliation, support community rebuilding, and offer these individuals a pathway to civilian life under monitored programs.
Analysts note that while repatriation marks a positive step, it must be accompanied by robust disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) support, livelihoods training, and access to justice to prevent relapse into violence. Regional authorities emphasize that sustainable peace relies on inclusive governance, credible security sector reform, and transparent post-conflict reconstruction. The DRC’s engagement with neighboring states and international partners remains essential to address root causes such as resource competition, ethnic tension, and border instability.
For the international community, repatriation milestones are also a signal of the evolving peace landscape in central Africa. They reflect a shift from large-scale military maneuvers to long-term stabilization efforts focused on civilian protection, social cohesion, and economic development that benefits communities across provinces in the DRC.
2) South Sudan: Violence in Jonglei threatens fragile peace prospects
In South Sudan, Jonglei state has again become a focal point of insecurity, with clashes between armed groups raising concerns about the durability of the country’s peace process. Jonglei’s strategic position, population displacement, and competition over natural resources have historically fueled cycles of violence. Recent outbreaks jeopardize humanitarian access, complicate ceasefire commitments, and test the capacity of local authorities and peacekeeping missions to protect civilians.
Observers urge intensified protection measures, confidence-building between rival communities, and accelerated delivery of essential services as critical components of risk reduction. International partners underline that sustained peace requires credible security guarantees, alongside reforms that promote inclusive political dialogue, mediation, and accountability for abuses. The Jonglei situation thus remains a key bellwether for the broader path to stability in South Sudan, where peace dividends must reach vulnerable towns and rural communities alike.
3) Pakistan: Peace is a prerequisite for development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, says acting president
Across South Asia, Pakistan’s acting president has framed development as inseparable from peace, specifically citing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. In his remarks, he argued that without lasting peace in the region, investment, infrastructure projects, and social programs cannot reach their full potential. KP has long faced security challenges tied to militant activity, cross-border tensions, and sporadic violence, all of which impede growth and human development indicators.
Policy makers and regional stakeholders are discussing integrated approaches: de-radicalization initiatives, community policing, economic diversification, and cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries. The message resonates with regional peace actors who emphasize that development outcomes depend on predictable security, rule of law, and inclusive governance that gives communities a sense of ownership over local progress. The coming months will likely see a mix of security operations and development programs designed to stabilize KP while protecting civilian lives.
What these stories mean for the peace agenda
Taken together, these updates illustrate a common pattern: peace is a multi-dimensional endeavor that requires synchronized efforts on security, governance, and development. Repatriation and reintegration in the DRC, safeguarding civilians in Jonglei, and aligning development with security in KP show how peacebuilding activities must be continuous, context-specific, and community-centered. The role of UN missions, regional organizations, and national governments remains critical in coordinating these efforts, securing funding for DDR and reconstruction, and guaranteeing accountability for human rights abuses.
As this week closes, the shared takeaway is clear: lasting peace relies on tangible improvements in daily life—safe neighborhoods, reliable services, and credible governance that people can trust. The pace may be uneven, but progress in each of these fronts contributes to a more stable regional and global peace landscape.
