GOMA, Oct. 8, 2026 — An African Union panel of facilitators has urged parties in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to respect ceasefire commitments and continue political talks after consultations in Goma.
The delegation was led by former Ethiopian president Sahle-Work Zewde and included former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The panel met representatives of the AFC/M23 movement, the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, the UN humanitarian office, the International Committee of the Red Cross and a regional verification mechanism.
The African Union said the discussions covered the security and humanitarian situation, confidence-building measures and ways to advance mediation connected to the Doha process.
Facilitators called for restraint, cooperation with ceasefire monitors and safe, unhindered humanitarian access. They placed particular emphasis on protecting civilians, including women and girls, and preventing sexual and gender-based violence.
The mission took place while fighting and displacement continued to burden communities in eastern Congo. A ceasefire can only produce lasting gains if commitments are implemented on the ground and essential services remain protected.
The panel said it would report the results of the consultations to the AU mediator and the Congolese government while continuing efforts to build confidence among the parties.
Sources: African Union; Reuters; Radio Okapi.
Featured photo: Johnnathan Tshibangu/Unsplash (illustrative community gathering).
