The African Union (AU) has welcomed the outcomes of a high-level meeting held in Doha, Qatar, between President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The trilateral discussions, hosted on March 18 under the auspices of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, focused on resolving the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC.
In a statement issued from Addis Ababa, AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf commended both leaders for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful engagement.
He described their participation as a demonstration of “true leadership” and a recognition that peace, security, and stability are essential for the prosperity of their nations and the broader Great Lakes region.
The AU also acknowledged the reaffirmation by Kagame and Tshisekedi of their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
This pledge aligns with earlier agreements reached at the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025.
Youssouf reiterated the AU’s unwavering support for African-led solutions to African challenges, citing the ongoing Luanda and Nairobi processes as crucial frameworks for peacebuilding.
He noted that the Doha meeting, held in a constructive spirit, complements existing regional mechanisms and emphasized the need for continued coordination between the AU, regional economic communities, and international partners.
The AU expressed gratitude to Qatar for facilitating the dialogue and urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum generated in Doha.
The continental body reaffirmed its readiness to support and oversee the full implementation of agreed commitments, in line with its mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across Africa.
In his statement, Youssouf called for collective efforts from all parties to ensure the agreements reached in Doha translate into lasting peace.
He encouraged continued diplomatic engagement to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further destabilization in the region.
The crisis in eastern DRC has long been a source of regional tension, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebel group—an allegation Rwanda denies.
Various peace efforts, including the Nairobi and Luanda processes, have sought to de-escalate hostilities, but intermittent clashes continue to threaten stability.