For families living in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), peace is not an abstract political promise. It is the chance to sleep without fear, return to school, reopen a small business, farm safely and access medicine when children fall sick.
That hope was at the centre of discussions held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, where African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes.
The meeting focused on the worsening situation in eastern DRC, where years of conflict have displaced communities, disrupted livelihoods and left many people dependent on humanitarian support. Leaders stressed that the path to lasting peace must include dialogue, trust-building and a commitment to protect civilians.
The AU and its international partners welcomed progress made through the Washington Accord and the Doha process. However, they noted that agreements must now lead to real improvements on the ground. This includes a durable ceasefire, safe access for humanitarian workers and continued talks among all parties involved.
For ordinary people, humanitarian access can mean food reaching displaced families, medical teams treating the injured and children receiving protection during conflict. It can also mean communities beginning to rebuild after months or years of uncertainty.
The situation has become even more urgent following an Ebola outbreak, which is placing additional pressure on fragile health services. The AU Chairperson called for stronger cross-border cooperation, public health preparedness and regional action to prevent the disease from spreading further.
The African Union reaffirmed its leading role in supporting peace efforts in the Great Lakes region. It also urged all stakeholders to honour their commitments, respect international humanitarian law and choose peaceful solutions over violence.
Across the region, the message is clear: lasting peace will require more than signed agreements. It will require inclusive dialogue, accountable leadership, regional cooperation and a shared determination to restore dignity, safety and opportunity to millions of people.