African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for stronger coordination between the AU and the United Nations to address escalating insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), stressing the importance of African-led mediation and regional ownership in securing lasting peace.
Youssouf made the remarks during talks in Addis Ababa with James Swan, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the DRC and head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and Huang Xia, the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region.
The discussions focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and restore stability across the wider Great Lakes region.
The AU Commission chairperson underscored the need for inclusive dialogue involving all relevant Congolese stakeholders, alongside sustained security consultations among neighbouring countries to ease regional tensions and rebuild trust.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying economic drivers of instability through deeper regional integration, identifying joint infrastructure projects, shared management of natural resources and cross-border economic corridors as key instruments for strengthening cooperation and delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
The officials also reviewed progress in implementing commitments under the Washington and Doha peace processes, as well as preparations for the renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate.
Particular attention was given to the mission’s role in protecting civilians and monitoring ceasefire arrangements amid continued insecurity in the country’s eastern provinces.
Humanitarian access and mounting public health challenges in conflict-affected areas were also high on the agenda, underscoring the urgent need to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable communities.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination in support of diplomatic efforts, civilian protection and sustainable stability in the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
