A group of former African heads of state, tasked with assisting the African Union in resolving the security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived in Goma on October 5, 2026. The delegation, led by Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya, Mokgweetsi Masisi, former President of Botswana, and Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia, aims to engage in talks with the leadership of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFC/M23) to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.
The delegation was warmly received at the Serena Hotel in Goma, where they met with top leaders of the AFC/M23, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and other senior military officials. The talks are focused on supporting the peace process and negotiating a ceasefire to end the violence that has plagued the region for years. The conflict between the AFC/M23 and the Congolese government has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering and displacement.
The visit comes after a recent escalation of violence in the region, with the AFC/M23 seizing control of the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The Congolese government and the AFC/M23 have engaged in previous talks in Qatar and the Busuwisi, resulting in agreements aimed at halting the fighting. However, despite these agreements, the conflict has continued, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreements.
Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic, was unable to attend the talks due to health reasons, while Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, was also absent due to his involvement in mediating a separate conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The delegation's arrival in Goma is seen as a significant step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has had devastating consequences for the local population.
The talks are expected to focus on finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict, which has been ongoing for years. The AFC/M23 has been fighting against the Congolese government, citing grievances over issues such as land rights and resource control. A peaceful resolution to the conflict is seen as crucial for stabilizing the region and addressing the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the violence.
The delegation's visit has been seen as a positive development by many in the region, who are hopeful that the talks will lead to a lasting peace. However, the road to peace is likely to be challenging, with many complex issues to be addressed. The African Union has been actively involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, and the delegation's visit is seen as part of these broader efforts.
The outcome of the talks is uncertain, but the fact that the delegation has been able to engage with the AFC/M23 leadership is seen as a positive step. The international community has been calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the delegation's visit is seen as a significant development in this regard.
Key points
- The delegation of former African heads of state aims to facilitate peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group.
- The talks are focused on finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict, which has been ongoing for years.
- The delegation's visit is seen as a significant step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has had devastating consequences for the local population.
