World · Africa · 1 hr ago
African Union holds Kigali talks to advance eastern DRC peace process
The African Union held peace consultations in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 6 as fighting continued in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The delegation included former presidents of Ethiopia, Kenya and Botswana, and followed meetings in Goma the day before.
The talks focused on carrying out the Washington Peace Agreement, signed by the DRC and Rwanda in 2025, including security commitments and the disarmament of fighters.
The AU also discussed protecting refugees and returnees, humanitarian access and regional trade and infrastructure.
The Washington agreement addresses DRC-Rwanda security ties, while a separate Doha process covers negotiations between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 armed group.
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting AFC/M23, while Kigali denies this and accuses the DRC of backing the FDLR.
Fighting and disputes over commitments continue to challenge peace efforts despite the diplomatic talks.
The AU facilitators plan to continue their engagement in Kinshasa to support dialogue and advance the peace process.
The African Union held consultations in Kigali on October 6 to support the peace process in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The discussions covered security commitments, disarmament, refugee protection and regional economic cooperation.
The consultations followed meetings in Goma on October 5, where the AU delegation met aid, UN and other representatives, including AFC/M23.
The talks took place as fighting continued and separate diplomatic processes addressed the conflict.
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting AFC/M23, while Kigali denies the allegation and accuses the Congolese government of backing the FDLR.
- Who
- Former presidents Sahle-Work Zewde, Uhuru Kenyatta and Mokgweetsi Masisi took part in the AU delegation.
- What
- The AU held consultations to advance the eastern DRC peace process.
- When
- October 6. The year is not stated.
- Where
- Kigali, Rwanda.
- Why
- To support the peace process, including implementation of security commitments and regional cooperation.
Kinshasa
Kigali
Support for armed groups
Kinshasa
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting AFC/M23.
Kigali
Kigali denies the accusation and says the Congolese government supports and arms the FDLR.
Security concerns
Kinshasa
The Washington agreement includes a DRC commitment to address the FDLR.
Kigali
Rwanda considers the FDLR a threat to its national security; the agreement includes commitments concerning the disengagement of Rwandan forces and lifting defensive measures.
The DRC and Rwanda signed the Washington Peace Agreement.
Congolese government and AFC/M23 representatives signed the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement under Qatar’s mediation.
The Washington agreement’s Joint Oversight Committee expressed concern about escalating fighting and called for full implementation.
The AU delegation held meetings in Goma with representatives of UN and humanitarian bodies, a verification mechanism and AFC/M23.
The AU held consultations in Kigali on implementing the Washington agreement and other peace-process issues.
- Kigali consultations
- October 6; year not stated
- Goma meetings
- October 5; eastern DRC
- AU delegation
- Sahle-Work Zewde, Uhuru Kenyatta and Mokgweetsi Masisi
- Washington Peace Agreement
- Signed by the DRC and Rwanda on June 27, 2025
- Doha framework
- Signed on November 15, 2025, by Congolese government and AFC/M23 representatives
Sources
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