An African Union-appointed panel of facilitators has completed a 72-hour consultation mission in Kinshasa as regional diplomatic efforts continue to seek a path towards peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the wider Great Lakes region.
The delegation met President Félix Tshisekedi after arriving in Kinshasa on 8 October. According to the Congolese Press Agency, the group included former Ethiopian president Sahle-Work Zewde, former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Regional diplomacy continues
The consultations are part of efforts to address a conflict that has caused prolonged insecurity in eastern DRC and placed pressure on communities across the region. The AU facilitators have been engaging political leaders as they explore options for supporting a peaceful resolution.
Diplomatic engagement does not itself guarantee a ceasefire or lasting settlement. Progress will depend on the positions of the parties to the conflict, implementation of commitments and sustained coordination among regional and international actors.
For the Great Lakes region, reducing violence is also important for civilian safety, cross-border stability and the prospects for economic activity. The mission’s completion signals continued diplomatic work, but further details on concrete next steps and measurable outcomes will be important in assessing whether the process can deliver progress.
Source: Congolese Press Agency.