The African Union (AU) has called on political actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to pursue peaceful dialogue and exercise restraint amid ongoing political and security developments in the country.
In a statement, the President of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, commended President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo for his efforts to promote an inclusive national political dialogue involving political and social actors, while respecting the country’s institutions.
Youssouf reiterated the AU’s opposition to unconstitutional changes of government, particularly the seizure of power by force and the overthrow of democratically established institutions.
He urged all parties to avoid actions that could heighten tensions or undermine dialogue and national reconciliation, insisting that peaceful means should remain the priority in resolving the country’s challenges.
The AU Commission President also reaffirmed the continental body’s commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC.
He called for the preservation of progress made through the Doha and Washington processes, urging all parties to implement their commitments, respect the ceasefire and protect civilian populations.
Youssouf further reaffirmed the AU’s support for mediation efforts led by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who is serving as the African Union mediator, with support from facilitators representing the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
He said the Commission remained ready to support the mediation efforts in coordination with regional and international initiatives to achieve lasting peace in the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
