African Union calls for stronger action to implement peace deals in eastern DRC
AUC Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised President Ruto and Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa for their leadership, saying their dedication reflects a growing commitment by African leaders to resolve crises on the continent.
The African Union has called for stronger coordination and commitment in implementing recent peace agreements in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), urging all stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict and turn diplomatic breakthroughs into real stability.
Speaking during the Joint EAC-SADC Co-Chairs’ Meeting with the Panel of Facilitators for the DRC Peace Process at State House, Nairobi, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised President William Ruto and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa for their leadership, saying their dedication reflects a growing commitment by African leaders to resolve crises on the continent.
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“I can only praise their efforts and pay tribute to you all for this genuine engagement,” he said on Friday, adding that the meeting offered hope for peace in a region that has suffered “endless displacement, killing and chronic insecurity for more than three decades.”
Mahamoud noted that recent developments, such as the Washington agreement signed between Rwanda and DRC, and the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha between M23 and the DRC government, had revived optimism for lasting peace.
However, he said translating these agreements into tangible results would require courage, compromise, and coordinated action.
“There is a need for better coordination and more coherence if we are to succeed in the implementation process of those agreements. Agreements can be meaningful and can be game changers if and only if they are implemented on the ground,” Mahamoud stated.
He said the African Union Commission remains fully engaged and reaffirmed the role of the AU mediator and the Peace and Security Council in supporting the process.
He also emphasised that any peace effort must be holistic and address the root causes of violence in eastern DRC to prevent recurring cycles of conflict.
Mahamoud applauded the inclusion of former presidents as facilitators, saying their experience and wisdom would be vital in guiding the process forward.
He urged all parties to remain focused and committed to a peaceful and unified solution for the benefit of the Congolese people and the broader region.
The Nairobi meeting aims to align efforts between EAC and SADC-led initiatives and reinforce regional coordination in the DRC in a show of the continent's commitment to African-led solutions.
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