This week, former UN rights chief wins nobel peace prize. African Union (AU) continues peace efforts amidst violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Sudan’s anti-war coalition discusses peace framework with international figures.
Former UN Rights Chief Wins Nobel Peace Prize
On October 9, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to former human rights chief and International Court of Justice judge Navi Pillay. The nobel committee recognized the South African judge for her “efforts to promote peace and international law” which it said helped to build a “more comprehensive global legal order.”
The committee added that Pillay had played a fundamental role in ensuring war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide are prosecuted.
Pillay dedicated her award to “all the survivors of international crimes,” as well as practitioners of international justice “whose compassion and courage continue to ensure that impunity will not be allowed to reign.”
AU Continues Peace Efforts Amidst Violence in DRC
Amidst ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) the African Union (AU) is pushing on with its peace efforts.
On October 6, the AU held talks in Kigali, DRC, to progress the peace process in the country’s eastern region. The AU released a statement about the talks on October 13. According to the statement, the consultations included: security consultations addressing implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement and the parties’ respective commitments; humanitarian consultations focused on the protection of refugees and returnees and the need for sustained international support; and consultations on regional economic cooperation, including a separate engagement with the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL).
The facilitators plan to continue their engagements in Kinshasa as part of efforts to support dialogue and advance the peace process.
An AU delegation also visited Goma on October 7. During its visit, the delegation met with the UN peacekeeping mission in the country before visiting Nyiragongo territory to evaluate the humanitarian situation for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In August, the Congolese government and M23 agreed in Switzerland to develop a roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for peace negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement signed in 2025.
The DRC’s eastern region has suffered violence over its rich mineral sources for decades.
Sudan’s Anti-War Coalition Discusses Peace Framework With International Figures
On October 12, Sudan’s anti-war coalition, which includes civilian and political groups, met with the ‘Quintet’ Mechanism group—which consists of the African Union (AU), UN, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Arab League, and European Union (EU)—at the AU’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to discuss a framework for peace.
The framework is based on three parallel tracks: a temporary ceasefire, humanitarian aid delivery, and a comprehensive political dialogue.
Coalition leader Shehab Ibrahim told Sudan Tribune the coalition outlined its objections to including the former ruling party, arguing that dismantling the economic base of the previous regime and safeguarding independent military decision-making remain essential priorities.
The sides agreed to form a joint preparatory committee to set an agenda, select participants and venues for future talks, and grow engagement with international facilitators.
Keywords: Nobel Peace Prize, DRC, Congo, African Union, AU, Sudan, Quintet, peace talks, statement, peace, conflict, conflict resolution, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tara Abhasakun is Peace News Network (PNN)'s managing editor. She is journalist based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and formerly in Bangkok, Thailand. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
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