African Union Consults in Kigali Amidst Escalating DRC Conflict

Consultations aimed at advancing the peace process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been held in Kigali, Rwanda, by the African Union (AU). These discussions took place on October 6, focusing on key aspects of the conflict, including the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, security arrangements, the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of fighters, the protection of refugees, and regional economic cooperation, as detailed in an AU statement. The AU delegation included prominent figures such as former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Sahle-Work Zewde serves as the deputy chairperson of the AU Panel of Facilitators for the eastern DRC peace process.

The Kigali consultations followed earlier meetings in Goma, located in the eastern DRC, on October 5. During these Goma meetings, the AU delegation engaged with representatives from various international and regional bodies, including the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23). Following these discussions, the AU panel issued a call for adherence to ceasefire commitments, cooperation with verification mechanisms, and a commitment to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the peace process. Emphasis was also placed on the critical need for civilian protection, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access, and preventing sexual and gender-based violence.

In Kigali, the AU facilitators conducted separate consultations with Rwandan officials and representatives from regional institutions. The AU reported that these discussions encompassed security commitments, the safeguarding of refugees and returnees, and avenues for regional economic cooperation, such as mineral traceability, cross-border trade, energy, and infrastructure development. The facilitators indicated their intention to continue their engagements in Kinshasa as part of ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and propel the peace process forward.

These consultations are occurring concurrently with other diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict. The Washington Peace Agreement, established on June 27, 2025, between the DRC and Rwanda, outlines security commitments designed to address concerns regarding armed groups and troop presence in eastern DRC, with its implementation remaining a central challenge. At a June 2026 meeting of the agreement’s Joint Oversight Committee, parties voiced concerns over escalating hostilities and urged the full implementation of the agreement, including commitments related to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the disengagement of forces.

Separately, the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed on November 15, 2025, by representatives of the Congolese government and AFC/M23 under Qatar's mediation, provides a framework for negotiations on outstanding issues, including security arrangements and ceasefire monitoring. Subsequent discussions have concentrated on fulfilling existing commitments and negotiating remaining protocols. The Washington agreement addresses the relationship and security commitments between the DRC and Rwanda, while the Doha process focuses on negotiations between the Congolese government and AFC/M23.

Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of backing AFC/M23, an allegation Rwanda denies. Rwanda, in turn, accuses the Congolese government of supporting and arming the FDLR, which it views as a national security threat. The Washington agreement includes commitments from the DRC to address the FDLR and from Rwanda regarding the disengagement of its forces and the removal of defensive measures. The parties continue to deliberate on the implementation and verification of these commitments. The ongoing diplomatic engagement underscores the complexities of resolving the conflict, with security commitments and negotiations involving various parties proceeding on distinct tracks. The AU's consultations in Goma and Kigali are integral to its broader mediation efforts, and their success in improving security will hinge on the commitment of the parties involved and sustained engagement in the respective peace processes.