By Enyichukwu Enemanna
An African Union delegation has met Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling for continued engagement in the peace process, as fighting continues despite ongoing mediation efforts.
The delegation, which includes three former presidents, Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde and Botswana’s Mokgweetsi Masisi, met leaders of the AFC/M23 rebel group on Monday, the African Union said in a statement on Wednesday
The rebels control large areas of North and South Kivu provinces captured during a lightning offensive last year.
Congo’s government and AFC/M23 signed a declaration in Doha in July 2025, committing to a permanent ceasefire and negotiations towards a broader peace agreement.
The process has yielded limited progress, including the release of detainees in August and the recent deployment of teams responsible for observing implementation of the ceasefire.
Fighting has yet continued, with recent clashes concentrated in remote parts of South Kivu’s highlands and North Kivu’s Masisi territory
Parallel mediation efforts involving Congo and Rwanda have also been led by the United States and the African Union, but have so far brought little change on the ground.
The delegation called for respect of commitments made in Doha, adherence to the ceasefire and cooperation with verification mechanisms.
It also stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure safe humanitarian access.
The delegation met with Rwanda’s foreign minister on Tuesday and is expected in Kinshasa for consultations with the Congolese government
