Key facts
- An African Union delegation met with AFC/M23 rebels in eastern Congo.
- The delegation includes former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Sahle-Work Zewde, and Mokgweetsi Masisi.
- The rebels control large areas of North and South Kivu provinces.
- Congo's government and AFC/M23 signed a declaration in Doha in July 2025 for a ceasefire and negotiations.
- Fighting has continued despite mediation efforts.
- The delegation called for respect of commitments made in Doha and adherence to the ceasefire.
An African Union delegation has urged continued engagement in the peace process in eastern Congo, following a meeting with the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebel group. The delegation, which includes former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, and Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, met with rebel leaders on Monday.
The rebels currently control significant portions of North and South Kivu provinces, captured during an offensive last year. Despite a declaration signed in Doha in July 2025 by the Congolese government and AFC/M23, committing to a permanent ceasefire and negotiations, progress has been limited. While some steps like the release of detainees and deployment of ceasefire observers have occurred, fighting persists in remote areas of South Kivu and North Kivu.
Parallel mediation efforts led by the United States and the African Union involving Congo and Rwanda have also yielded minimal changes on the ground. The AU delegation emphasized the importance of respecting the Doha commitments, adhering to the ceasefire, and cooperating with verification mechanisms. They also highlighted the need to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.
The delegation met with Rwanda's foreign minister on Tuesday and is scheduled to consult with the Congolese government in Kinshasa.