DR Congo crisis: AU applauds deal from Doha summit

The African Union Commission (AU) has praised the decisions made at a summit between President Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The summit was arranged in Doha on Tuesday, March 18, and was mediated by Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, with the goal of finding a solution to the crisis in eastern DR Congo.

At the February 8 EAC-SADC conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the leaders “reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.”

The two leaders were commended by AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf for their dedication to communication and a peaceful settlement of the eastern DRC problem.

“Their engagement reflects true leadership and a shared recognition that peace, security, and stability are indispensable for the prosperity of their nations and the wider Great Lakes region,” he stated in a statement on Wednesday.

Both presidents’ reaffirmations of their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire were also recognized by the AU.

Youssouf reiterated its support for the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, highlighting the significance of African-led solutions and pointing out that the Doha talks complement these regional initiatives.

In order to promote enduring peace in the area, he urged the AU, regional economic communities, and foreign partners to keep coordinating.

Youssouf also thanked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and the State of Qatar for helping to foster communication and confidence between the two countries.

In keeping with its mission to advance stability throughout the continent, he reaffirmed the AU’s willingness to assist current peace initiatives.