The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to restore peace, stability, and cooperation in the Great Lakes region,” Youssouf said over the weekend in a statement.
In early 2025, fighting between Congolese security forces and militant groups led by M23 escalated rapidly, culminating in M23’s capture of Goma, the regional hub of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the Rwandan border.
Rwanda, the primary backer of the M23 armed group, supported its offensive in eastern DRC with three to four thousand ground troops. As Goma fell, thousands of locals—many of whom were already internally displaced—fled the region.
The Chairperson commended the leadership and political will demonstrated by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in prioritising dialogue and regional solidarity over conflict.
The Chairperson also applauded the critical role played by Angola under the auspices of President João Lourenço, as well as the support of regional mechanisms including the East African Community (EAC), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in facilitating the peace process.
The Chairperson expressed sincere appreciation for the constructive role played by Qatar, whose diplomatic efforts and support for dialogue created a conducive environment for confidence-building between the parties.
MG/as/APA