By Dickson Bandera
The African Union Commission has welcomed the signing of a landmark peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, describing it as a significant step toward peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
In a statement released this week, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said this historic development marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to restore peace, stability, and cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
He commended the political will and leadership demonstrated by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, saying they had shown courage in prioritizing peace.
“Their choice to engage in dialogue and pursue regional solidarity over conflict is deeply commendable,” he said.
Youssouf also praised the mediation efforts of the Republic of Angola, under the leadership of President João Lourenço, whose diplomatic facilitation helped pave the way for negotiations. He acknowledged the critical support provided by regional mechanisms such as the East African Community (EAC), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), noting: “This agreement reflects the power of regional mechanisms working in unity for the greater good of the continent.”
The statement expressed sincere appreciation for the constructive role played by the State of Qatar.
“Qatar’s diplomatic efforts and support for dialogue created a conducive environment for confidence-building between the parties. Its commitment to promoting peace and its partnership with African-led initiatives is highly valued,” said the Chairperson.
He also recognized the support of the United States of America, saying
“The USA’s support reflects the importance of strong international cooperation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Africa.”
Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting the full implementation of the agreement and called on all parties involved to uphold their pledges. “We urge all stakeholders—governments, armed groups, civil society, and international partners—to honor their commitments and contribute to durable peace,” he said.
He further pledged the AU’s continued involvement, stating: “The African Union stands ready to accompany the parties in their post-conflict recovery, national reconciliation, and peacebuilding efforts.”
The Chairperson concluded by reiterating the AU’s long-standing principle of African solutions to African challenges.
“The African Union remains committed to promoting African-led solutions in line with the spirit of Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030 and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.”
The peace agreement signals a new chapter for the region, offering renewed hope for lasting peace, cooperation, and development in Central Africa.
The conflict between the DRC and Rwanda has deep roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, when hundreds of thousands of Rwandan refugees, including genocidaires, fled into eastern Congo. This triggered years of instability, with multiple armed groups operating in the mineral-rich eastern provinces of the DRC.
Tensions escalated in recent years with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting—an allegation Rwanda has denied. The violence has displaced over a million people, led to countless civilian deaths, and strained regional relations.
The AU-brokered peace deal is now seen as a crucial breakthrough in addressing decades of mistrust, regional insecurity, and humanitarian suffering.
