As African leaders gather for the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, the Africa Governance Centre (AGC) has called for immediate and decisive action to address the escalating conflicts in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan. 

While acknowledging recent AU efforts, the AGC insists that stronger enforcement of resolutions, diplomatic engagement, and humanitarian interventions are urgently needed to prevent further destabilisation in these regions.

In the Eastern DRC, renewed offensives by armed groups such as M23, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) have led to mass displacement, civilian casualties, and heightened regional tensions.

The AGC welcomes the AU Peace and Security Council’s (PSC) condemnation of armed groups and foreign support to M23 but urges the Assembly to ensure the full enforcement of withdrawal orders, enhanced humanitarian assistance, and stronger coordination between regional bodies such as SADC, ECCAS, ICGLR, and EAC. 

The AGC further emphasises that the Luanda and Nairobi Processes must remain the primary frameworks for diplomatic engagement between DRC and Rwanda.

The situation in Sudan has worsened significantly, with the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leading to what is now described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. 

Over 10 million people have been displaced, and reports indicate that RSF and allied militias are obstructing humanitarian aid in famine-stricken regions, particularly in Darfur. 

The AGC stresses the need for the AU to take a firmer stance on ceasefire violations, secure humanitarian corridors, and impose sanctions on those obstructing relief efforts or committing human rights abuses. Additionally, greater international support must be mobilised to address severe shortages impacting aid operations.

The AGC has outlined five key actions for the AU Assembly: the full implementation of the 1256th PSC Communiqué on Eastern DRC, urgent mobilisation of humanitarian assistance for displaced populations in both DRC and Sudan, strengthening AU-led diplomatic efforts, ensuring adherence to the Luanda and Nairobi Processes, and supporting governance reforms to address the root causes of instability. 

The Centre warns that failure to act decisively will prolong suffering and undermine Africa’s broader economic and integration goals, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Africa Governance Centre firmly supports African-led solutions and urges AU leaders to rise to the occasion with bold, coordinated, and immediate actions. 

The 38th AU Assembly presents a critical opportunity for the continent’s leadership to demonstrate its commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development.