An African Union delegation met Rwandan officials in Kigali to discuss security commitments, refugee protection and regional economic cooperation….reports Africa Daily News Desk
A delegation of African Union (AU) peace facilitators has held consultations with Rwandan officials in Kigali to advance the peace process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), focusing on security commitments, humanitarian needs and regional economic cooperation.
The delegation met senior Rwandan officials and representatives of regional institutions on 6 October 2026, following engagements in Goma, as part of efforts to support the implementation of existing peace agreements.
The delegation comprised Sahle-Work Zewde, former president of Ethiopia and deputy chairperson of the Panel of Facilitators; Uhuru Kenyatta, former president of Kenya; and Mokgweetsi Masisi, former president of Botswana. The facilitators conducted separate consultations covering their respective thematic areas.
The security discussions focused on implementing the Washington Peace Agreement and the commitments made by the parties. The exchanges provided an opportunity for Rwanda to outline its perspectives on security concerns and wider regional developments.
The consultations also examined disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, drawing on Rwanda’s experience in rehabilitating and reintegrating former combatants.
Humanitarian issues formed another key part of the discussions, with particular attention to protecting refugees and returnees and maintaining international support for affected populations.
Rwandan authorities outlined measures to help refugees and returnees access national services, including healthcare and education. The facilitators also encouraged continued implementation of commitments under the Tripartite Framework involving DR Congo, Rwanda and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The discussions further stressed the importance of implementing agreed humanitarian measures and confidence-building initiatives to support efforts towards lasting peace.
Regional economic cooperation was another focus of the consultations. During a separate engagement with the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), the delegation explored opportunities to advance the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF).
The talks covered responsible management of natural resources, mineral traceability, cross-border trade and joint energy and infrastructure projects. The participants considered these areas important for generating shared economic benefits and supporting sustainable peace across the region.
The consultations highlighted the links between resolving security concerns, addressing the needs of communities affected by conflict and strengthening economic cooperation among neighbouring countries.
The AU-led mediation effort emphasised the need for continued African-led dialogue and the implementation of existing agreements to build confidence among the parties and advance the peace process.
The facilitators are expected to continue their engagements in Kinshasa as part of the ongoing mediation efforts under Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Togolese Republic and AU mediator.
The continued consultations aim to support dialogue, strengthen confidence and advance efforts to secure peace in eastern DR Congo, where security, humanitarian and economic challenges remain closely interconnected.
