The African Union (AU) has expressed strong support for peace talks held in Doha between the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid escalating violence in the eastern DRC.
The high-level discussions, mediated by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, mark the first direct engagement between the two heads of state in over two years.
AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised the commitment of both nations to dialogue, stating that the regional body “remains resolute in its support for African-led solutions to African challenges.” Youssouf highlighted that “the Doha discussions, held in a spirit of constructive engagement, align with these efforts and complement ongoing regional mechanisms.”
Both countries reaffirmed their pledge to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” in eastern DRC, a commitment previously made during the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025.
The AU chairperson also expressed gratitude to the Qatari government for facilitating the negotiations, acknowledging the role of “His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in building confidence and fostering dialogue.”
Leaders Seek to End Prolonged Hostilities
President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Rwandan President Paul Kagame engaged in informal yet substantive talks on March 18, 2025. The meeting came at a critical moment as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, seized the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC.
A joint statement issued after the meeting emphasized the leaders’ determination to “continue the discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace.” Despite the positive tone of the meeting, Kinshasa and Kigali presented differing interpretations of its outcomes.
The DRC government hailed the agreement as “the first step” toward sustained regional stability, while Rwanda insisted that resolving the conflict required “direct political negotiations with the M23” and addressing the presence of “FDLR genocidal forces” in the region.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the meeting was considered “fruitful” in building diplomatic trust, even though no concrete monitoring mechanisms for the ceasefire were outlined.
The timing of the talks was particularly significant, as peace negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels in Angola had recently collapsed. The rebel group withdrew from those discussions following the European Union’s imposition of sanctions against its leadership.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis and Global Scrutiny
The conflict in eastern DRC has triggered one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, displacing over seven million people. The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, have advanced significantly, raising fears of further instability.
According to U.N. experts, the group has, at times, threatened to march toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, located roughly 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) west of the conflict zone.
The recent resurgence of violence has also drawn international condemnation. Last month, the United Nations Human Rights Council launched an investigation into alleged war crimes, including rape and extrajudicial killings carried out by both sides. The international community has urged regional actors to implement tangible measures to prevent further escalation.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the Doha meeting, many observers see it as a potential diplomatic breakthrough in a long-standing conflict that has defied multiple mediation attempts.
As both nations navigate the path to peace, the African Union has called on all stakeholders to “maintain the momentum generated in Doha and to work collectively toward the full implementation of agreed commitments.” As such, the AUC stands ready to support and accompany these efforts, in line with its mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent.
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