African Union welcomes ceasefire mechanism agreement between DR Congo, AFC/M23

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

The African Union (AU) Commission on Thursday welcomed the signing of terms of reference for a ceasefire mechanism between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23).

The AU said in a statement that the agreement marks an important step toward reducing fighting in the country’s troubled east.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the deal represents a “significant confidence-building measure” and a positive development toward de-escalating hostilities and restoring peace and security in eastern DRC.

The AU also praised Qatar and the US for supporting peace efforts alongside an AU-led mediation process headed by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, the African Union’s designated lead mediator for eastern DRC.

The commission also said that establishing a clear and mutually agreed ceasefire mechanism is essential to ensure compliance, build trust between the parties and protect civilians, urging both sides to fully implement the agreed terms.

Eastern Congo has faced years of armed conflict involving government forces and multiple rebel groups, including the M23.

The rebel group, supported by neighboring Rwanda according to the UN and Western nations, controls significant territory in eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu seized early in 2025.