A delegation of African Union (AU) mediators met Rwandan officials in Kigali on October 6 to discuss security commitments, refugee protection and regional economic cooperation as part of efforts to advance the peace process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The delegation included former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. The consultations followed meetings in Goma on October 5 and focused on implementing existing peace commitments.
Security discussions covered the Washington Peace Agreement, disarmament and the reintegration of former combatants. Humanitarian talks addressed support for refugees and returnees, including access to health care and education, while Rwandan officials outlined measures to facilitate access to national services.
Regional economic cooperation was also on the agenda. In separate consultations with the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), the facilitators discussed mineral traceability, responsible management of natural resources, cross-border trade and joint energy and infrastructure projects.
The AU said the discussions highlighted the links between security, humanitarian needs and regional economic integration. However, the Kigali meetings produced no announced new agreement or specific deadline for implementing existing commitments.
The facilitators continued their consultations in Kinshasa later in October under the leadership of AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé, as the bloc sought to build confidence and advance diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in eastern DRC.
