African Union convenes Kigali talks to push peace amid ongoing eastern DRC fighting

On Oct 6 the African Union hosted a panel of former presidents in Kigali to further the peace process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where hostilities continue despite diplomatic efforts. The delegation, led by Sahle-Work Zewde, Uhuru Kenyatta and Mokgweetsi Masisi, reviewed the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, covering security commitments, disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, refugee protection and regional economic ties.

The meeting built on a prior day’s discussions in Goma with representatives from MONUSCO, OCHA, ICRC, the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus and the AFC/M23 movement, where the panel called for adherence to ceasefire and protection of civilians. In Kigali, the facilitators also consulted Rwandan officials and regional bodies on issues such as mineral traceability, cross-border trade and infrastructure. They emphasized the need for safe humanitarian access and prevention of gender-based violence. The AU panel indicated that further talks will be held in Kinshasa to sustain momentum in both the Washington and Doha peace tracks.