African Union Hails Doha Meeting as Step Towards Peace in Eastern Congo

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union (AU) has welcomed the outcome of the trilateral meeting held in Doha, Qatar, between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, expressing optimism for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, commended the commitment to dialogue shown by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who met under the auspices of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on March 18th.

The AU Chairperson praised the leaders for reaffirming their commitment to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” a key agreement reached at the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam in February.

He emphasised that the leaders’ engagement “reflects true leadership and a shared recognition that peace, security, and stability are indispensable for the prosperity of their nations and the wider Great Lakes region.”

The African Union reiterated its support for “African-led solutions to African challenges,” highlighting the Luanda and Nairobi processes as examples of such initiatives. The Doha discussions, the AU stated, “align with these efforts and complement ongoing regional mechanisms.”

H.E. Youssouf also expressed his appreciation to the State of Qatar and the Emir for facilitating the dialogue and building confidence between the two nations.

The AU urged all stakeholders to maintain the momentum generated in Doha and work towards the full implementation of the agreed commitments. The Commission pledged its readiness to “support and accompany these efforts” in line with its mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent.

This statement from the African Union reinforces the importance of regional and continental efforts in resolving the conflict in Eastern Congo. The AU’s endorsement of the Doha meeting signals a positive step towards de-escalation and peace in the region.