African Union Summit to Tackle Escalating Crisis in Eastern DR Congo
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – As African leaders convene in Addis Ababa for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit, the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo looms large on the agenda. The summit, beginning February 14th, is seen as a critical opportunity to reinvigorate peace efforts and address the root causes of instability that threaten to destabilize the wider Great Lakes region.
The crisis, fueled by decades of conflict involving numerous armed groups, has recently intensified, prompting a flurry of diplomatic activity. The African Union’s stated long-term goal of “silencing the guns” on the continent faces a significant test in DR Congo, where violence continues to displace populations and hinder development.
Recent mediation efforts, led by a delegation of former African presidents including Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), and Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), have focused on bolstering the Doha peace process between the Congolese government and the Allied Democratic Forces/M23 (AFC/M23) rebels. The delegation recently completed a regional tour, engaging with leaders in DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.
The Doha process, alongside the Washington process between Kigali and Kinshasa, aims to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying political and economic grievances driving the conflict. The Washington process specifically focuses on security issues, including the presence of the Kinshasa-backed Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia.
However, progress remains fragile. AFC/M23 spokesperson Oscar Balinda, speaking to The New Times, emphasized the need for concrete action, stating that the mediation is “part of the Doha peace process, and it is their mandate to consult us as well during such processes of engaging concerned parties.” He expressed concern over a perceived lack of political will from the Congolese government to fully implement existing agreements.
This sentiment is echoed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who recently stated at the 20th Umushyikirano Council that the biggest obstacle to peace isn’t a lack of agreements, but a lack of political will to implement them. He stressed the importance of an African-led mediation process focused on enforcing both the Washington and Doha agreements.
Concerns also extend to the AU’s impartiality. Analysts like Frederick Golooba Mutebi have questioned the organization’s swift condemnation of an AFC/M23 attack on a military drone command center in Kisangani, while remaining silent on Congolese government actions. “When you condemn one side and not the other, it looks like taking sides,” Mutebi said, warning that such actions could undermine confidence in the mediation process.
The upcoming AU chairmanship rotation to Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has also raised eyebrows, given Burundi’s military involvement alongside the Congolese government. Jean Baptiste Gasominari, an analyst, warned that this could further complicate the situation.
The crisis in eastern DR Congo has far-reaching implications. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), over 2.8 million people are internally displaced in the region, and hundreds of thousands have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The conflict also exacerbates existing humanitarian challenges, including food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
Fatuma Ndangiza, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, urged AU leaders to prioritize concrete outcomes at the summit. “The role of the Togolese President and AU facilitators in bringing critical challenges to the attention of Heads of State is essential,” she said. “I expect the mediation team to present action-oriented recommendations for adoption. There should be urgency, because there are no shortcuts to peace, and the responsibility lies with the Congolese leadership.”
Legal expert Alphonse Mulefu believes the AU is best positioned to address the conflict, but doubts its willingness to push for meaningful change. “Africa has been slow in finding solutions… Lasting peace requires a shared understanding of root causes and willingness to address governance failures,” he stated.
Link to New Times article on Kagame’s comments
Link to New Times article on Kagame discussing security with Togo president
