AU welcomes DRC–M23 ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and US
By Kiprono Keileb, February 12, 2026The African Union has welcomed a new step toward peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region that has endured years of conflict, displacement, and fear among civilians. The continental body said the agreement offers hope to communities affected by violence.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, February 12, 2026, AU reflected on efforts to calm tensions and push warring sides toward dialogue and lasting solutions in eastern DRC. The African Union confirmed its position on the agreement and its importance to ongoing peace efforts.
“African Union Commission Welcomes the Signing of the Terms of Reference for the Ceasefire Mechanism between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and AFC/M23,” the statement reads.
The AU highlighted the role of its leadership in recognising the ceasefire framework signed earlier and the actors involved in reaching it.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, warmly welcomes the signing of the Terms of Reference for the ceasefire mechanism between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23) on 3 February 2025 in Doha,” the statement reads.
The statement further recognised the role played by international partners and regional leadership in pushing forward the peace process.
“The Chairperson commends the constructive role played by the State of Qatar and the United States of America in supporting peace efforts in eastern DRC in a way that works in tandem with the AU-led process under the able leadership of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo, and the AU-designated Lead Mediator on the eastern DRC, with the support of the AU Panel of Facilitators,” the statement reads.
The AU stressed that the ceasefire framework represents progress toward ending violence and protecting civilians caught in the conflict.
“This important step represents a significant confidence-building measure and a positive development toward the de-escalation of hostilities and the restoration of peace and security in eastern DRC. The Chairperson commends the commitment demonstrated by the parties and underscores that the establishment of a clear and mutually agreed ceasefire mechanism is essential for ensuring compliance, building trust, and protecting civilian populations,” the statement reads.
The continental body urged all sides to remain committed to the process and avoid actions that could derail progress already made.
“The Chairperson encourages the parties to fully and faithfully implement the agreed Terms of Reference and to remain constructively engaged in ongoing political and security processes,” the statement reads.
The AU also pointed to the contribution of regional organisations working alongside continental efforts to monitor and sustain peace initiatives.
“The African Union also acknowledges the role of regional organization, including the International Conference of the Great Lakes in operationalizing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM+) in support of permanent ceasefire in eastern DRC,” the statement reads.
The commission reiterated its readiness to continue working with partners and regional structures to support peace and reconciliation in the conflict-hit region.
“The African Union Commission remains ready to support the parties, in collaboration with regional mechanisms, to advance a permanent ceasefire, lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in the region,” the statement reads.