The crisis in the DRC and the African Union response

As fighting continues in South Kivu between M23 rebels and Congolese forces in the eastern regions bordering Rwanda, uncertainty surrounding the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo grows. This week, we discuss how the African Union can assist with a International Crisis Group expert and address humanitarian risks with a UNICEF worker. The conflict in the eastern DRC has experienced a dramatic escalation recently.Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf elected as AU commission chairman The city of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province, fell to M23 fighters at the end of January.The rebels are reportedly being supported by Rwandan soldiers, a claim that the government in Kigali continues to deny, despite evidence and reports of casualties among Rwandan troops.Fighting resumes in DRC's South Kivu ahead of crisis talksThe city has come to symbolise the conflict that has torn apart eastern DRC for more than three decades.The M23 has launched additional attacks in South Kivu, and despite talks in Tanzania earlier in February and a brief ceasefire, the fighting persists. As a result, millions of Congolese have been displaced, with nearly 3,000 lives lost.To explore the role of diplomacy in the country, as well as in other violent crises across the continent, my first guest is Liesl Louw-Vaudran from the International Crisis Group.She joins us from Addis Ababa, where the African Union's headquarters are located, following the release of the group’s annual report outlining the eight priorities the AU should focus on.We will also hear from civilians fleeing Goma and from Paulin Nkwosseu, the Chief of Field Offices at UNICEF for the DRC.Episode mixed by Erwan Rome.Spotlight on Africa is produced by Radio France Internationale's English language service.