Moussa Faki tells foreign powers to 'stay off' African affairs

African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki.

African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Moussa Faki, has advised foreign powers to stop meddling into African affairs more so those around the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement on Wednesday, 21 February, Faki said the political differences in Africa can be resolved by dialogue and not military solutions or interferences by foreigners.

"AU Commission chair Moussa Faki calls upon all foreign powers to completely abstain from all interference in the internal affairs of all African countries, notably those of the Great Lakes Region," the statement read.

Further, the leader urged heads of DRC and Rwanda, in particular, to prioritise dialogue within the framework of the two African mechanisms led by President Joao Lourenco of Angola and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"The chairperson of the AUC reiterates his call for rapid de-escalation. He calls upon regional leaders, particularly those of DRC and Rwanda, to prioritise dialogue in the framework of the two African mechanisms... to agree on the modalities of a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis," the statement read.

The statement comes amid a surge of violence in Eastern DRC, where the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) are battling the M23 rebel group.

Numerous ceasefires brokered by regional leaders and the United States in 2022 and 2023 have been initiated but were frustrated by the ineffectiveness of troops, deployed to enforce the withdrawal of the rebels.

The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and claimed dozens of lives, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis.