DR Congo Peace Efforts Face Critical Test at African Union Summit
Addis Ababa will be the focal point of African diplomacy this week as the African Union (AU) convenes its 39th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government, February 14-15. The crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expected to be a central topic, representing a significant challenge to the AU’s ambition of “silencing the guns” across the continent.
A Complex Web of Mediation Efforts
Multiple mediation tracks are currently underway, including initiatives led by Angola, the United States and Qatar, alongside the AU-led process. These parallel efforts aim to address the ongoing conflict, but the situation on the ground remains tense. The AU’s role has recently expanded to lead all peace processes in the region, following a decision made in August 2025.
The current summit arrives after a high-level meeting in Lomé, Togo, on January 17, where AU-appointed facilitators – including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Sahle-Work Zewde, Mokgweetsi Masisi, and Catherine Samba-Panza – embarked on a regional tour. Visits to DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda aimed to assess progress and chart next steps.
Doha and Washington Processes: Complementary Approaches
The AU mediation complements both the Doha peace process and the Washington process. The Doha talks, between the AFC/M23 and the Congolese government, address the root causes of the conflict, including governance gaps and political exclusion. A ceasefire agreement established a Verification Mechanism, with AU, Qatari, and US observers.
Meanwhile, the Washington process focuses on security issues, particularly the presence of the Kinshasa-backed FDLR militia. The AU monitors compliance and helps resolve disputes within this framework.
Concerns Over Implementation and Political Will
Despite the various agreements, a key concern voiced by both the AFC/M23 and Rwanda is the lack of political will from the Congolese government to fully implement existing commitments. AFC/M23 spokesperson Oscar Balinda emphasized the need for enforcement rather than new pledges, stating that the movement expects facilitators to address this issue directly.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, echoed these concerns, highlighting deliberate distortions surrounding the crisis and stressing that the primary obstacle isn’t the absence of agreements, but their implementation.
AU Credibility and Potential Challenges
Some analysts question the AU’s impartiality, citing its swift condemnation of an AFC/M23 attack on a military drone command center in Kisangani, while remaining silent on government actions. This perceived bias could undermine confidence in the mediation process.
The upcoming rotation of the AU chairmanship to Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye also raises concerns, given Burundi’s involvement in the conflict alongside the Congolese government. This could potentially complicate the AU’s role as an impartial mediator.
What’s at Stake?
The success of the AU’s mediation efforts hinges on its ability to persuade the Congolese government to respect ceasefire agreements and address the underlying causes of the conflict. The summit presents a critical opportunity to demonstrate African-led mechanisms can translate diplomatic movement into tangible change on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main goal of the AU summit regarding the DRC crisis? The primary goal is to find a path towards lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC, aligning with the AU’s broader objective of “silencing the guns” on the continent.
- What are the different mediation tracks currently underway? There are parallel initiatives led by Angola, the United States, Qatar, and the African Union.
- What are the key concerns regarding the implementation of peace agreements? A lack of political will from the Congolese government to fully implement existing commitments is a major concern.
- What is the role of the Doha peace process? The Doha talks address the root causes of the conflict, including governance gaps and political exclusion.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about the various mediation efforts and the positions of key stakeholders is crucial for understanding the complexities of the DRC crisis.
What are your thoughts on the AU’s role in resolving the DRC conflict? Share your insights in the comments below!
