AU Mediation Delegation Meets AFC/M23 Leaders in Goma

An African Union mediation delegation met the leadership of the AFC/M23 movement in Goma on Monday, October 5, holding consultations under the Doha and Washington peace processes to seek a political resolution to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

African Union Delegation Holds Talks With Rebel Leaders in Goma

Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi made up the visiting team.

The dignitaries arrived at the political coordination offices of the movement in Goma, where they met with senior officials.

The high-level mission also included Yackoley Kokou Johnson, Ministerial Delegate to the Togolese Foreign Minister and representative of the African Union mediator, alongside Dr Akok Madut, head of the Mediation and Dialogue Division at the AU Commission. The visit forms part of the ongoing diplomatic tracks established to address the conflict in eastern DR Congo.

AU Mediation Delegation Meets AFC/M23 Leaders in Goma

The Goma meeting provides a direct channel between AU facilitators and the rebel leadership.

Rebel Coalition Demands Political Settlement While Reporting Ceasefire Breaches

Following the discussions, the rebel coalition issued a statement addressing the state of the humanitarian crisis and the peace negotiations. Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka outlined the movement’s stance on the diplomatic outreach.

“a political, sustainable, and African resolution to the war imposed by the Kinshasa regime.”

Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 spokesperson

In the same statement, Kanyuka alleged that government forces continued to breach the ceasefire agreements. He asserted that attacks targeting civilian populations further exacerbate an already concerning humanitarian situation across the region.

Neither the released statements nor the official accounts provided a timetable for further negotiations, disclosed specific proposals, or announced any immediate agreements on security or humanitarian access.

African Union Panel Supports Mediation and Peace Processes

Monday’s meeting links into a wider diplomatic architecture led by the African Union Panel of Facilitators. Chaired by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo with Sahle-Work serving as deputy chair, the five-member panel also includes former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza. The panel supports mediation efforts led by Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé.

The Doha Peace Process: Initiated in 2025, this track focuses on the internal Congolese dimension, facilitating direct dialogue between the AFC/M23 and the Congolese government while supporting ceasefire monitoring.
The Washington Peace Agreement: Signed on June 27, 2025, between Rwanda and DR Congo, this agreement addresses cross-border grievances, providing for the neutralisation of the FDLR militia and the lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda. Its implementation is overseen by a Joint Oversight Committee that includes the African Union Facilitator, Qatar and the United States.

The African Union oversees the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism for the Doha track, which includes international partners such as Qatar and the United States. Investigations into suspected violations are handled alongside the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism, maintaining access across the frontline to issue weekly reports. The United Nations attributed the offensive to M23 with support from Rwanda’s armed forces.

Keep reading