The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the urgent need to uphold the recently agreed-upon ceasefire between the warring factions. In a statement issued on January 25, Faki expressed his deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the region, urging all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians.
The conflict in the eastern DRC, which has raged for years, continues to worsen, with armed groups engaging in brutal clashes that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), at least 400,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes in North and South Kivu since the start of 2025 alone. The scale of the displacement is staggering, as families are uprooted from their homes and forced into overcrowded camps with limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare.
In his statement, Faki underscored the grave humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly in the wake of recent attacks on refugee camps. UNHCR spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh highlighted incidents such as explosions on January 20 in South Kivu’s Kitalaga site, which tragically claimed the lives of two children. Additionally, on January 21, makeshift shelters in Nzuolo near Goma were destroyed, and just days later, the Bushagara site, also near Goma, was heavily impacted by further violence. These bombings have not only caused panic among the displaced populations but have led to new waves of forced displacement as families flee for safety.
Faki’s statement also brought attention to the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, particularly the ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The African Union has expressed unwavering support for peace initiatives aimed at resolving these tensions, especially the Luanda process led by Angolan President João Manuel Lourenço. The AU Chairperson called on the international community to provide support to the affected populations and assist in the stabilization efforts.
With the situation showing no signs of improving, the AU is under increasing pressure to ensure that the ceasefire agreement holds and that effective humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. As violence continues to ravage the eastern DRC, the international community’s role in advocating for peace and providing aid has never been more crucial.
