Uhuru joins AU high-level meeting backing DRC peace process

In a statement issued after the meeting, the African Union said the discussions focused on strengthening regional and continental efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC, where fighting by armed groups continues to fuel insecurity and a worsening humanitarian situation.

Other leaders present at the meeting included former Presidents: Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana) and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia). 

The high-level forum reaffirmed its commitment to a political solution to the conflict and endorsed ongoing mediation initiatives as the main pathway to ending hostilities. 

Leaders called on all parties to respect agreed ceasefire arrangements and engage constructively in dialogue as part of the broader peace process.

"The participants reaffirmed their collective determination to pursue, in a spirit of coherence, coordination and shared responsibility, the efforts undertaken in order to durably consolidate the peace process and to promote peace, security and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region," the statement read in part. 

The meeting also underscored the importance of coordinated regional action, respect for the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the need to accelerate implementation of previously agreed roadmaps to ease tensions on the ground.

In its resolutions, the meeting highlighted the urgency of implementing previously agreed roadmaps and confidence-building measures to reduce tensions on the ground. The AU said sustained diplomatic engagement remains critical to complement military and security interventions.

The high-level meeting further raised concerns over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, calling for unhindered access for humanitarian agencies and protection of civilians affected by the violence.

The African Union said it will continue working closely with regional blocs and international partners to support peace efforts in the DRC, noting that stability in the country is critical to broader peace and security in the Great Lakes region.