The African Union delegation, which includes three former presidents, emphasized the need to continue peace efforts during a meeting with the AFC/M23 rebels in eastern Congo. This meeting took place as conflicts in the region continue, and the mediation process has achieved limited results.
Delegation Members and Meeting Details
This delegation includes Uhuru Kenyatta from Kenya, Sahle-Work Zewde from Ethiopia, and Mokgweetsi Masisi from Botswana. They met with the leaders of the AFC/M23 rebel group on Monday and stressed the importance of continuing interactions in the peace process. The AFC/M23 rebels control vast areas of Congo's provinces, including North and South Kivu, which they gained following a rapid attack last year.
Doha Agreement and Upcoming Challenges
The Congolese government and the AFC/M23 group signed an agreement in Doha in July 2025, committing to a permanent ceasefire and negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace agreement. However, this process has seen limited progress, including the release of prisoners in August and the deployment of monitoring teams to oversee the ceasefire implementation. Nonetheless, conflicts continue in remote areas of the Southern Kivu Highlands and the Masisi territory in North Kivu.
Parallel mediation efforts involving Congo and Rwanda, led by the United States and the African Union, have also been undertaken, but have not yet resulted in significant changes in the field situation. The African Union delegation emphasized the importance of respecting commitments made in Doha, adhering to the ceasefire, and cooperating with verification mechanisms.
Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access
The delegation also stressed the necessity of protecting civilians and ensuring safe access to humanitarian assistance. Following this meeting, the delegation met with the Rwandan Foreign Minister and is set to travel to Kinshasa soon to consult with the Congolese government. These developments come as the humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected areas is extremely concerning and requires urgent attention.
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