Former heads of state including Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, Botswana’s Mokgweetsi Masisi, and Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde are currently in Goma, the capital of North Kivu’s Province of Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is the first time such a delegation of high profile persons has been hosted in the rebel controlled territory.
The battle hardened AFC/M23 rebels captured Goma in January 2025.
According to those privy with the rebels administration, the delegation of three former heads of state, members of the African Union’s Panel of Facilitators, visited Goma city and held talks with senior leadership of the rebels.
The delegation also spent the night in Goma under the security of the AFC/M23 authorities.
After Goma, the facilitators are expected in Kinshasa to continue their consultations.
Lawrence Kanyuka the spokesperson for the rebels observed that the delegation and top leadership of the rebels administration engaged in constructive consultations.
However, Kanyuka accuses the Kinshasa government of persistent violation of the ceasefire agreement.
“This mission comes as the Kinshasa regime continues to violate the ceasefire, while its attacks target civilian populations, further exacerbating an already concerning humanitarian situation,” Kanyuka Said.
