Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, addressed an extraordinary summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on Saturday, urging for solidarity and active coordination of regional and continental efforts to effectively tackle the crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan.
In his address, Chairperson Faki emphasized that the key to resolving African crises lies in peace, dialogue, and constructive compromises. He called upon all parties involved to remain committed to this path, stating that it is the only lasting solution.
Chairperson Faki further announced that the AU Commission is preparing for a summit that will bring together the Economic Community of Central African States, the Southern African Development Community, ICGLR, and the East African Community (EAC). This gathering aims to foster collaborative efforts and devise comprehensive strategies to address the challenges faced by the regions.
Highlighting the dire security situation in the area, Chairperson Faki described it as catastrophic, with severe humanitarian consequences. He drew attention to the security challenges hindering development, including the resurgence of armed groups such as the March 23 Movement, the Allied Democratic Force terrorist threat, and the illicit exploitation of natural resources.
Expressing gratitude, the AU Chairperson acknowledged the deployment of the EAC Regional Force in eastern DRC and commended the troop-contributing countries for their unwavering dedication to promoting regional peace and security. He emphasised the urgent need to rebuild trust in senior leadership, a crucial step towards achieving lasting stability.
Regarding the Sudan crises, Chairperson Faki stressed that the primary responsibility for finding a solution without resorting to military means rests with the Sudanese people themselves. He reiterated the AU’s commitment to engaging the Sudanese in an inclusive political dialogue that suits their needs, emphasizing that this approach is the only way to save the country from civil war and prevent chaos in the entire region.
The AU’s call for solidarity and coordinated efforts serves as a vital step towards effectively addressing the crises in the DRC and Sudan, fostering peace, stability, and development in the region.
