The African Union (AU) has called on political actors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful dialogue amid ongoing political and security challenges.

 In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged stakeholders to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or undermine prospects for dialogue and national reconciliation, reiterating the AU's opposition to unconstitutional changes of government, including the seizure of power by force.

He reaffirmed the continental body's commitment to the DRC's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, stressing the need to preserve progress made through the Doha and Washington processes, implement agreed commitments, respect the ceasefire and protect civilians. 

The AU Commission chairperson also reiterated the body's support for mediation led by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, with assistance from facilitators appointed by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 

Further, the AU boss commended President Félix Tshisekedi for efforts to promote inclusive national dialogue involving political and social actors while respecting the country's institutions.

“In this context, he calls on all political actors and stakeholders to prioritise peaceful means exclusively, to exercise restraint, and to refrain from any initiative that could fuel tensions or jeopardise the prospects for dialogue and national reconciliation,” the statement adds.

He reiterated that the commission remained ready to support the mediation alongside regional and international initiatives aimed at securing lasting peace in the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

“He reiterates the African Union's full support for the mediation efforts led by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Togolese Republic and African Union Mediator, with the support of the Panel of Facilitators of the EAC and the SADC,” the statement concluded.