The new chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has welcomed the outcomes of the trilateral meeting hosted by Qatar, bringing together President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and his Congolese counterpart Félix Tshisekedi.
Both leaders met in Doha for talks on Tuesday and emerged with a commitment to work towards ending hostilities between DRC troops and fighters of the Rwanda-backed M23 movement who have overran much of eastern Congo in recent months.
The AU chief in a statement on Thursday said the talks which were under the auspices of Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani showed both leaders’ commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict which has triggered a serious humanitarian crisis.
”Their engagement reflects true leadership and a shared recognition that peace, security, and stability are indispensable for the prosperity of their nations and the wider Great Lakes region” Youssouf said.
He also acknowledged the reaffirmation by both leaders of their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed during the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on 8 February 2025.
Youssouf said under him the African Union remains resolute in its support for African-led solutions to African challenges, as embodied in the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
The Doha talks were held in a spirit of constructive engagement, aligned with these efforts and complement ongoing regional mechanisms, he added.
”In this regard, we emphasise the importance of continued coordination between the African Union, regional economic communities, and international partners in fostering sustainable peace” he said.
The African Union chief is urging all stakeholders to maintain the momentum generated in Doha and to work collectively toward the full implementation of agreed commitments.
”The AUC stands ready to support and accompany these efforts, in line with its mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent”.
Thousands have been killed and millions displaced since M23 rebels intensified their onslaught in eastern DRC, capturing the North Kivu capital Goma and Bukavu last month.
The rebel movement with backing from Rwanda has opted out of talks with the DRC government.
WN/as/APA