The African Union (AU) has welcomed the outcomes of the high-level trilateral meeting held in Doha, Qatar, aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting, hosted under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, brought together President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC. The discussions focused on advancing peace and stability in the conflict-affected region, which has long been plagued by violence and instability.
In a statement, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, commended the two leaders for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of the crisis. He praised their engagement as a reflection of true leadership and a shared recognition that peace, security, and stability are essential for the prosperity of their nations and the wider Great Lakes region. Youssouf also expressed gratitude to Qatar and Sheikh Tamim for their role in facilitating the dialogue and building confidence between the parties.
The AU Chairperson highlighted the reaffirmation by both leaders of their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed during the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam in February 2025. He noted that the discussions in Doha aligned with ongoing regional mechanisms, such as the Luanda and Nairobi processes, which aim to establish a solid foundation for lasting peace in the region.
Youssouf emphasized the importance of continued coordination between the AU, regional economic communities, and international partners to foster sustainable peace. He urged all stakeholders to maintain the momentum generated in Doha and work collectively toward the full implementation of agreed commitments. The AUC, he added, stands ready to support and accompany these efforts in line with its mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent.
The Doha meeting marks a significant step forward in addressing the Eastern DRC crisis, demonstrating the power of dialogue and regional cooperation in resolving complex conflicts. The AU’s endorsement of the outcomes underscores its commitment to African-led solutions to African challenges, offering hope for a more peaceful and stable future in the Great Lakes region.
