A delegation of the Panel of Facilitators for the African Union-led Mediation Architecture for the Eastern DRC Peace Process under the leadership of H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Deputy Chairperson of the Panel, and also comprising H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of the Republic of Kenya, and H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, former President of the Republic of Botswana, held consultations in Goma with representatives of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM), and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on 5 October in support of the African Union-led mediation efforts for the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Peace Process.

These engagements provided an opportunity to hear perspectives on the peace process, the security and humanitarian situation, and measures needed to strengthen confidence.

The Panel reaffirmed that lasting peace requires political dialogue and encouraged continued engagement in good faith in the Doha process. It called for strict respect for ceasefire commitments, full cooperation with verification mechanisms, and restraint from actions that could undermine the peace process.

The Panel stressed the urgent need to protect civilians, particularly women and girls, prevent sexual and gender-based violence, and ensure accountability for violations. It also called for safe and unhindered humanitarian access and for the protection of essential services and educational facilities.

Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Panel underscored that these commitments must translate into tangible improvements for affected communities.

The Panel will convey the outcomes of these consultations to the AU Mediator and the Government of the DRC and continue its engagement to strengthen civilian protection, build confidence, and advance the peace process.

For further information, please contact:

Amb. Akok Manyuat Madut PhD| Head, Mediation and Dialogue Division| Political Affairs Peace and Security Department | African Union Commission | Email: MadutA@africanunion.org |

For Media inquiries, please contact: Mr. Wurie Bah | Senior Communications Officer, PAPS| Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | E-mail: Bahw@africanunion.org  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

 

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission (AUC) I E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org I Web: www.au.int  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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