Kagame and Kenyatta Unite for Peace: A Focus on Eastern DRC Stability
A Strategic Meeting: Kagame Welcomes Kenyatta
On Friday afternoon, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda hosted former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at Urugwiro Village for crucial discussions aimed at advancing peace efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kenyatta, who serves as one of the EAC-SADC Facilitators for the Eastern DRC peace process, met with Kagame to review ongoing regional and continental initiatives designed to achieve lasting peace and address the root causes of the protracted conflict.
Addressing the Security Crisis
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the talks centered on finding durable solutions to the security crisis in eastern DRC, a situation that continues to affect millions and threatens stability across the Great Lakes region. The discussions reflect a commitment to collaborative efforts in resolving the complex issues that have plagued the area for years.
Building on Previous Engagements
Friday’s meeting follows a similar engagement by President Kagame with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on June 24. During his tour of the Great Lakes region, Obasanjo, who co-chairs the peace facilitation panel alongside Kenyatta, also held discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.
A Unified Approach: The Expanded Facilitation Panel
Obasanjo and Kenyatta are part of an expanded panel of facilitators created in March 2025 through the merger of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes. This unified framework aims to harmonize efforts and enhance coordination among stakeholders involved in resolving the crisis in eastern DRC.
The facilitation panel includes other prominent former African heads of state: Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia). Together, they are tasked with guiding peace talks between the Congolese government and various armed groups, including the M23 and other factions operating in the volatile region.
Prioritizing Disarmament and Implementation
The merged peace process also prioritizes the implementation of previously agreed measures, including the disarmament of the FDLR militia, a group linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This focus on disarmament is crucial for establishing a foundation for lasting peace in the region.
International Support for Peace Initiatives
The EAC-SADC efforts are being complemented by broader international engagement, with Qatar and the United States also supporting peace initiatives aimed at restoring stability in the region. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of a united front in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing eastern DRC.
As Kagame and Kenyatta continue their efforts, the hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict remains a priority for leaders across the continent and beyond.