James Tasamba
07 October 2026•Update: 07 October 2026
African Union peace facilitators on Wednesday called on warring parties in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to strictly respect ceasefire commitments and refrain from actions that could undermine the country's peace process.
The facilitators made the call amid renewed clashes, days after visiting Congo to discuss military de-escalation and relaunching the peace process with AFC/M23 rebel group leaders in Goma.
In a statement, the panel reiterated that lasting peace requires political dialogue and encouraged continued engagement in good faith in the Doha process.
The panel "called for strict respect for ceasefire commitments, full cooperation with verification mechanisms and restraint from actions that could undermine the peace process," the statement said.
It stressed the "urgent need to protect civilians, particularly women and girls, prevent sexual and gender-based violence, and ensure accountability for violations."
While in Congo, the delegation also met with representatives of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country before visiting Nyiragongo territory to assess the humanitarian situation of internally displaced people.
The panel called on the warring parties to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access and protect essential services and educational facilities.
Reaffirming its commitment to Congo's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, the panel said commitments must translate into tangible improvements for affected communities.
In August, Congo and AFC/M23 rebels agreed in Switzerland to develop a roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for peace negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement signed last year.
The facilitators' visit came as fighting continued in eastern Congo between the AFC/M23 rebel group and government forces, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations.
The M23 rebels have been at the center of the conflict in eastern Congo.
The group, allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda, controls significant territory in eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized in early 2025.
Congo, the UN and Western nations accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. Kigali denies the accusations.
From Congo, the delegation, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, traveled Wednesday to Kigali, Rwanda, where it met Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
