Following its engagements in Goma, a delegation of the Panel of Facilitators of the AU-led Mediation Architecture for the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Peace Process held consultations in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda, on 6 October 2026 to support the implementation of existing peace commitments.

The delegation comprised H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Deputy Chairperson of the Panel; H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of the Republic of Kenya; and H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, former President of the Republic of Botswana. The Facilitators met with senior Rwandan officials and representatives of regional institutions through separate engagements in their respective thematic areas.

The security consultations addressed implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement and the parties’ respective commitments. The exchanges provided an opportunity to obtain Rwanda’s perspectives on security issues and broader regional dynamics. Discussions also covered disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, drawing on Rwanda’s experience in the rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants.

The humanitarian consultations focused on the protection of refugees and returnees and the need for sustained international support. Rwandan authorities outlined measures to facilitate refugees’ and returnees’ access to national services, including health care and education. Continued fulfilment of commitments under the Tripartite Framework between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and UNHCR was encouraged, alongside implementation of agreed humanitarian and confidence-building measures.

Consultations on regional economic cooperation, including a separate engagement with the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), explored opportunities to advance the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF). Discussions addressed responsible natural resource governance, mineral traceability, cross-border trade, and joint energy and infrastructure initiatives, recognising their potential to generate shared benefits and support sustainable peace.

Across these engagements, the importance of sustained African-led mediation and implementation of existing agreements was underscored. The consultations highlighted the close relationship between addressing security concerns, meeting the needs of conflict-affected populations and strengthening regional economic cooperation.

The Facilitators will continue their engagements in Kinshasa as part of ongoing efforts under the auspices of H.E. Faure Gnassingbe, President of the Council of the Togolese Republic and AU Mediator, to support dialogue, 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 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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 I E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org I Web: www.au.int  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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