By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABAB -The African Union (AU) has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure ceasefires in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of a renewed continental strategy to end prolonged conflicts and restore stability.
Speaking after the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to African-led mediation supported by coordinated international partnerships. He described the current moment as critical, citing escalating regional instability and mounting pressure on multilateral systems that require stronger continental unity.
Eastern DRC: Push for Immediate and Lasting Ceasefire
On eastern DRC, Ambassador Adeoye confirmed that President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, appointed as the AU mediator, presented an updated report on ongoing diplomatic engagement. The AU, working closely with the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is pressing for an immediate and durable ceasefire.
He noted that eight agreements reached through the Doha and Washington negotiation tracks provide a structured framework for peace. However, he emphasized that implementation and full compliance by all armed groups remain essential to achieving meaningful progress.
The Commissioner urged all parties, including the M23 armed group, to cease hostilities and participate in an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue. Ending civilian suffering and rebuilding trust among stakeholders, he said, are fundamental to securing sustainable peace. The crisis in eastern DRC remains a top priority under the AU’s broader objective of “Silencing the Guns” across the continent.
Sudan: Humanitarian Crisis and Political Roadmap
Turning to Sudan, Ambassador Adeoye described the conflict as catastrophic, particularly in humanitarian terms. He reiterated the AU’s roadmap, which prioritizes a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and an inclusive, civilian-led political process.
He stressed the importance of coordination with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the League of Arab States, and the European Union. Diplomatic alignment among these actors, he noted, is crucial to sustaining pressure on the warring parties and advancing a viable political settlement.
The AU Peace and Security Council, which convened at ministerial level ahead of the summit, reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire. While long-term stabilization mechanisms are under consideration, the Commissioner made clear that the immediate priority is ending hostilities and creating space for political dialogue.
Governance and Global Reform
Addressing governance challenges, Ambassador Adeoye restated the AU’s zero-tolerance policy toward unconstitutional changes of government. Six member states remain suspended, though the Union continues engagement efforts aimed at facilitating credible transitions back to constitutional order.
On global governance reform, he reiterated Africa’s demand for restructuring the United Nations Security Council in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus. He argued that Africa’s 54 member states deserve permanent representation, including veto power, in a body that shapes global peace and security decisions.
Throughout his remarks, the Commissioner linked current peace initiatives to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision. Despite global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics, he affirmed that Africa remains committed to collective action, the defense of democratic norms, and the pursuit of sustainable peace anchored in African leadership and cooperation.
