The African Union (AU) has deployed Senegalese jurist Adama Dieng to address growing instability across Africa, with a focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Dieng, the AU’s special envoy for the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities, has urged President Félix Tshisekedi to engage in direct talks with M23 as violence in eastern DRC worsens.
For months, Kinshasa has opted for military confrontation instead of dialogue, despite M23’s territorial gains exposing the government’s failure to secure the region. The rebel movement recently handed over 14 captured FDLR genocidaires to Rwanda, further highlighting Kinshasa’s inability to manage the situation. Meanwhile, government forces have aligned with FDLR militias, drawing criticism for enabling war crimes.
Dieng’s call for negotiations adds pressure on Tshisekedi, whose administration is already under scrutiny following allegations that FARDC intelligence orchestrated a recent attack in Bukavu. With the AU now actively involved, Tshisekedi faces a critical choice—pursue diplomacy or risk further conflict that could spiral beyond his control.