AU PANEL VISITS M23-CONTROLLED GOMA FOR PEACE TALKS

AU and M23AFC rebel leaders in a meeting at Serena Hotel in Goma city on Monday

URN

A high-level delegation from the African Union Panel of Facilitators on Monday visited Goma, a city controlled by the M23/AFC in North Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of efforts to find a peaceful solution to the region’s prolonged security crisis.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde led the delegation. The three former leaders were received by senior M23/AFC officials, including Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, Bertrand Bisimwa and Freddy Kaniki, before being taken to Serena Hotel for a closed-door meeting with the rebel leadership.

Sources familiar with the meeting said the discussions focused mainly on progress in the peace process in eastern DR Congo. The AFC later confirmed the meeting in a statement, describing it as evidence of continued high-level engagement among stakeholders involved in efforts to resolve the conflict.

The group also said the meeting reflected the African Union’s involvement in initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and stability in the region. The AFC, however, did not disclose details of the discussions. The meeting was still ongoing at press time. The visit came as fighting between M23/AFC fighters and government forces continued in several parts of Masisi Territory, North Kivu.

Fighting broke out as early as 5 am in the Ufamandu I area of Bahunde Chiefdom in southern Masisi, where FARDC troops and allied Wazalendo fighters claimed to have recaptured Nyakigano, Nkokwe and Kashovu, near Kasake, areas previously held by M23/AFC. The Wazalendo later released a video claiming to show their recapture of Mitimingi, a strategic position linking Katoyi Centre, the administrative headquarters of Katoyi Sector.

Clashes were also reported in Nyamaboko I Groupement in Osso Banyungu Sector, where FARDC and Wazalendo fighters claimed to have retaken Changayi, Ruseme and Kasheke villages after dislodging M23/AFC fighters. The M23/AFC leadership had not responded to the claims of territorial losses by press time.

Fighting was also reported on Sunday in neighbouring Kalehe Territory in South Kivu, where FARDC said its forces had recaptured several villages in Ziralo Groupement, including Katale, Shanje and Chambombo, near Lumbishi. Last week, FARDC also claimed to have recaptured Remeka and several neighbouring localities in Masisi Territory. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, allegations denied by both Kigali and the rebel movement.

M23/AFC leaders say their armed struggle is aimed at addressing what they describe as corruption, discrimination and other grievances within the Congolese government. The conflict has continued to cause insecurity and civilian displacement in parts of North and South Kivu despite ongoing regional and international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis