An African Union (AU) delegation that met Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called for continued engagement in the peace process, as fighting continues despite ongoing mediation efforts.
The delegation, which includes three former Presidents, Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde and Botswana’s Mokgweetsi Masisi, met leaders of the AFC/M23 rebel group on Monday, the AU said in a statement this Wednesday.
The rebels control large areas of North and South Kivu provinces captured during a lightning offensive last year.
DRC’s government and AFC/M23 signed a declaration in Doha in July 2025, committing to a permanent ceasefire and negotiations towards a broader peace agreement.
The process has yielded limited progress, including the release of detainees in August and the recent deployment of teams responsible for observing implementation of the ceasefire.
Yet fighting has continued, with recent clashes concentrated in remote parts of South Kivu’s highlands and North Kivu’s Masisi territory.
Parallel mediation efforts involving DRC and Rwanda have also been led by the United States and the AU but have so far brought little change on the ground.
The delegation called for respect of commitments made in Doha, adherence to the ceasefire and co-operation with verification mechanisms.
It also stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure safe humanitarian access.
The delegation met with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister on Tuesday and is expected in Kinshasa for consultations with the Congolese government.
–Reuters–
