The African Union has welcomed recent diplomatic steps aimed at ending decades of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but says the real challenge now lies in translating signed agreements into results on the ground through better coordination and political will.

AU Commission chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf made the remarks during the Joint EAC-SADC Co-Chairs’ Meeting with the Panel of Facilitators for the DRC Peace Process hosted at State House, Nairobi.

He commended President William Ruto and President Emmerson Mnangagwa for their involvement, saying the AU deeply values their commitment to restoring peace in the region.

“It is a great source of satisfaction that our leaders devote time and energy to try and resolve crises on the continent. I can only praise their efforts and pay tribute to you all for this genuine engagement,” he said on Friday.

Mahamoud noted that despite the prolonged suffering in eastern DRC, there is now renewed optimism following the Washington agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, and the Declaration of Principles between M23 and the DRC government signed in Doha. However, he warned that peace will only be possible if these deals are followed by meaningful and united action.

“There is a need for better coordination and more coherence if we are to succeed in the implementation process of those agreements,” he said. “It takes courage and wisdom to seek compromise when tough decisions are needed.”

The AU chief underlined the importance of tackling the deeper causes of the conflict through a comprehensive approach, saying peace agreements must be backed by concrete efforts that address displacement, insecurity, and the grievances fueling armed groups.

He also applauded the involvement of former heads of state in the peace facilitation team, saying their experience would be critical in the next phase of dialogue.

The AU, he added, remains fully committed to supporting the process through its institutions, including the Peace and Security Council.