The African Union Peace and Security Council says political will from all parties is key to the effective implementation of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework in the DRC.

The Peace and Security Council discussed the deteriorating situation in eastern DRC ahead of the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the DRC was signed ten years ago to usher in peace, security, stability, and development in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.

The Framework has since produced little result as the resurgence of the M23 armed rebels and other foreign groups continue to cause havoc and instability in the region.

The Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, says the Council must take actionable decisions to address challenges emanating from the lack of implementation of the Framework.

Ramaphosa warned that if it is not fully implemented in both letter and spirit, the security situation in the eastern DRC will continue to present challenges.

The AU Peace and Security Council also called on the governments of the DRC and Rwanda to focus on exercising total restraint and de-escalation and embark on genuine dialogue.

DRC and Rwanda have been accusing each other of arming rebels and carrying out violent attacks as ties continue to sour between the neighbors.