The African Union (AU) has welcomed the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the Alliance of Congo River (AFC/M23).
The deal, signed in Doha, Qatar, on February 3, 2026, follows joint assessments by both parties of their willingness to halt hostilities, building on a previous agreement signed in November 2025.
AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised Qatar and the United States for their pivotal role in supporting peace and security in eastern DRC and for backing the AU’s mediation efforts.
The dialogue was led by Togo’s President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the AU-appointed chief mediator. “This first step signals a clear commitment to restoring peace and ending hostile rhetoric, aiming for lasting security in eastern DRC,” Youssouf said.
The agreement also recognizes the role of regional organizations such as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and its Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM+), which monitors compliance with the ceasefire along the border.
The AU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both parties, alongside regional authorities, to ensure sustainable peace, reconciliation, and stability in the Great Lakes region.
The ceasefire includes a permanent halt to hostilities, suspension of air and ground attacks, and a commitment to end hate speech and divisive rhetoric targeting civilians.
