AU Mediators Meet M23 in Goma as Eastern Congo Peace Efforts Intensify

Former African leaders engage rebel officials as diplomatic efforts by the US, Qatar and African Union seek a path to peace

Former African leaders have travelled to Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to meet the political and military leadership of the AFC/M23 movement.

The visit marks a new step in efforts to end the conflict. The rebel movement controls the strategic city, making direct engagement important to any search for a lasting settlement.

The African Union (AU) mediation delegation includes former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde and former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Their mission comes as regional and international efforts to end the fighting continue.

M23's Advance Changes the Conflict

The resurgence of M23 has reshaped the security situation in eastern Congo.

The group's capture of Goma and Bukavu changed the balance of power and heightened tensions between the Congolese government and neighbouring Rwanda.

Kinshasa and United Nations experts have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23. Kigali has denied the allegations, citing security threats from armed groups operating inside Congo.

The conflict has since grown beyond an internal rebellion. It now poses a wider threat to stability across the Great Lakes region.

US and Qatar Support Peace Efforts

International mediation has gained momentum as fighting and regional tensions have increased.

The United States has pushed for diplomatic engagement between the DRC and Rwanda. Qatar has also hosted negotiations aimed at easing tensions and advancing peace efforts.

However, a major challenge remains: Can a peace agreement hold without the involvement of the armed group controlling key territories?

The AU delegation's visit to Goma brings this question into focus.

Agreements between governments may help reduce regional tensions. However, lasting peace will also require engagement with the forces shaping events on the ground.

Key Issues Remain Unresolved

The talks offer an opportunity to move beyond diplomatic statements and pursue direct engagement with AFC/M23 leaders.

Yet several difficult issues remain. These include disarmament, the restoration of state authority, the future of territories under rebel control and Rwanda's security concerns.

The safe return of displaced civilians is another major challenge.

Progress will depend on whether the parties can agree on practical steps towards peace. Without meaningful commitments, renewed fighting could undermine the latest diplomatic efforts.

Can African Diplomacy Deliver Peace?

The AU initiative is another test of Africa's ability to help resolve its own conflicts.

The war has passed through military offensives, regional tensions and several rounds of international mediation. Now, former African leaders are engaging directly with the movement controlling Goma.

Whether the talks produce a ceasefire or a broader political settlement remains uncertain. A return to fighting also remains possible.

Still, direct dialogue offers another opportunity to address the issues driving the conflict.

The guns have not fallen silent, and the underlying disputes remain unresolved. But the latest engagement signals that diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside military developments.

The question now is whether African-led mediation can turn talks in Goma into concrete steps towards lasting peace in eastern Congo.