African leaders have wrapped up the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) at the bloc’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after two days of deliberations focused on peace, security and development across the continent.

Among the key issues discussed was the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting between government forces and the M23 armed group has displaced thousands and deepened instability in the region.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is facilitating the peace process, said there are signs of movement behind the scenes. Speaking on the margins of the summit, he indicated that mediation efforts are beginning to take shape and that discussions among the parties have been constructive.

DRC government has announced that a new ceasefire, brokered with the support of Angola, is expected to take effect on Tuesday. The agreement is intended to bring an immediate halt to hostilities in the east, where communities have borne the brunt of recurring clashes.

“We are making good headway. The team is working well,” Kenyatta said. “We are looking forward to future meetings where we hope to consolidate positions and begin work on the ground to ensure that the people of the DRC get the peace and stability they deserve.”

While the summit covered a wide range of continental priorities, developments in the DRC underscored the AU’s continued focus on resolving protracted conflicts through African-led initiatives. Leaders expressed cautious optimism that sustained dialogue and regional co-operation could create conditions for lasting stability.

–ChannelAfrica–