AU intensifies push for ceasefires in Sudan and eastern DRC, says Commissioner Bankole Adeoye
The African Union has sharpened its diplomatic drive to secure ceasefires in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye outlining a renewed, African-led strategy to stem escalating violence and restore stability.
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Briefing reporters after the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Adeoye said AU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated mediation and tighter alignment with regional and international partners. He called the moment “critical,” citing rising regional instability and mounting pressure on multilateral systems that demand stronger continental cohesion.
Eastern DRC: Ceasefire push and inclusive dialogue
Adeoye confirmed that President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, appointed AU mediator for the eastern DRC crisis, presented an updated report on diplomatic progress. Working alongside the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, the AU is pressing for an immediate and durable ceasefire.
He said eight agreements reached through the Doha and Washington tracks provide a framework for de-escalation, but stressed that implementation and verifiable compliance by all armed actors are essential. Adeoye urged all parties, including the M23, to halt fighting and engage in an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue, underscoring that ending civilian suffering and rebuilding trust among stakeholders are central to any sustainable settlement.
Eastern DRC remains a high priority in the AU’s wider “silencing the guns” agenda, which seeks to end armed conflict across the continent through prevention, mediation and post-conflict reconstruction.
Sudan: Roadmap centers on ceasefire and humanitarian access
Turning to Sudan, Adeoye described the conflict as catastrophic in humanitarian terms and reaffirmed the AU’s roadmap that prioritizes a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access and an inclusive, civilian-led political process. He emphasized coordination with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the League of Arab States and the European Union, arguing that diplomatic alignment is vital to sustain pressure on the warring parties and prevent further fragmentation.
The AU Peace and Security Council, meeting at ministerial level ahead of the summit, reiterated its support for a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire in Sudan. While long-term stabilization mechanisms are under review, Adeoye made clear that the immediate task is to end hostilities and open space for a credible political settlement.
Zero tolerance for coups, and a push for global reform
Addressing governance challenges, Adeoye restated the Union’s zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional changes of government. Six member states remain suspended, he noted, even as the AU continues engagement to support credible, time-bound transitions back to constitutional order.
On global governance reform, Adeoye underscored Africa’s call to restructure the United Nations Security Council in line with the Ezulwini Consensus, insisting that Africa’s 54 member states merit permanent representation—including veto rights—in a body that shapes decisions on international peace and security.
Agenda 2063: Collective action amid global uncertainty
Throughout his remarks, Adeoye linked the AU’s current peace efforts to the continent’s long-term aspirations under Agenda 2063. He said that despite geopolitical flux and fraying international consensus, Africa is determined to act collectively, defend democratic norms and pursue sustainable peace rooted in African leadership and cooperation.
The Commissioner’s briefing, delivered at the close of the summit, signaled a more assertive AU posture: knit together regional initiatives, maintain unified pressure on belligerents, and keep civilians—particularly those displaced by fighting—at the center of ceasefire and dialogue efforts in both Sudan and the eastern DRC.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
