Nairobi – The African Union has warned that peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern region will remain fragile unless the root causes of the conflict are fully addressed and existing agreements are implemented without delay.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf called on regional leaders to act decisively and cooperatively during a high-level meeting at State House. The session was co-chaired by Kenya’s President William Ruto and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, bringing together leaders from the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU).
“We urge all stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict in a holistic manner,” African Union Commission Chairperson Youssouf said. “Achieving lasting peace requires courage, wisdom, and a willingness to compromise.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting regional peace efforts, emphasizing the need for consistent follow-through. “The African Union Commission, the Peace and Security Council, and the appointed AU Mediator remain fully committed to accompanying this process,” he added. He also praised the ongoing cooperation between African blocs working to stabilize the Great Lakes region.
The meeting in Nairobi came weeks after two major diplomatic breakthroughs: the Washington Agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda, and the Goma Declaration of Principles agreed between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group. Both pacts aim to curb the long-standing instability, militia violence, and humanitarian crises that have plagued eastern Congo for decades.
“The agreements signed in Washington and Goma are significant steps forward,” African Union Commission Chairperson Youssouf reiterated. “But they will only bring real change if they are fully and faithfully implemented on the ground.”
Eastern DRC continues to experience armed attacks, displacement, and tensions involving both local militias and cross-border incursions. The conflict has disrupted communities, caused massive internal displacement, and strained relations between regional states.
President Ruto and President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for unified regional leadership in guiding and overseeing the peace process. Both leaders echoed the AU’s message on accountability, urging all parties to move beyond commitments and focus on practical steps that lead to stability.
The African Union has positioned itself as a key player in mediating the DRC crisis and says it will continue coordinating efforts across EAC and SADC platforms to ensure peace agreements are honored.
“The AU underlines the centrality of its mediation role in resolving all crises on our continent,” Youssouf concluded. “It is paramount to capitalize on every breakthrough that can deliver peace and security to our nations.”
With mounting international pressure and growing regional consensus, the AU’s renewed call raises expectations that momentum from recent diplomatic agreements will translate into measurable improvements in eastern DRC.
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