Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has been chosen to lead crucial peace negotiations aimed at finding a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Uhuru will be working alongside three other former heads of state to facilitate discussions and promote stability in the region.
His appointment was confirmed following a high-level meeting of the Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) on Monday, February 24.
According to an official statement shared by President William Ruto, who currently chairs the EAC, Uhuru will be joined by Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria, and Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
These three leaders will oversee a joint peace initiative merging two earlier processes—the Nairobi Peace Process and the Luanda Peace Process—to bring stability to eastern DRC.
Calls for Ceasefire and Diplomatic Solutions
The heads of state at the summit stressed the importance of maintaining a ceasefire and urged all armed groups to lay down their weapons.
They specifically called on the M23 rebels and other factions to halt any further attacks and adhere to the truce announced by the EAC-SADC Summit.
“All parties involved in the conflict are strongly encouraged to respect the ceasefire. The M23 rebel group and other armed actors must stop advancing and commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities,” part of the statement read.
The Nairobi Peace Process, which was launched in April 2022 under the leadership of the EAC, initially brought some progress by facilitating dialogue between the Congolese government and various armed factions.
Several ceasefires were brokered, and commitments were made towards disarmament. However, as violence escalated and political tensions grew, the process lost momentum and eventually stalled.
The breakdown of talks was attributed to several factors, including political distractions, the withdrawal of military support, and a lack of genuine commitment from key stakeholders. By mid-2023, attention in the DRC had shifted towards the December general elections, leading to the sidelining of peace efforts.
Adding to the challenges, Kenya’s decision to withdraw its troops from the EAC Regional Force left a security vacuum, allowing armed groups to become more aggressive. Despite repeated efforts by Uhuru and international mediators, the Congolese government did not fully re-engage in negotiations, making it even harder to find a diplomatic resolution.
Luanda Process Faces Roadblocks
At the same time, the Luanda Peace Process, which was initiated to ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, also encountered significant setbacks. The initiative, led by Angolan President João Lourenço under the African Union’s guidance, aimed to encourage dialogue and implement ceasefires to stabilize the volatile region.
One of the main challenges was Rwanda’s insistence that the DRC engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebels. However, Kinshasa firmly rejected this demand, arguing that the M23 is a terrorist group and refusing to hold any discussions with them. This disagreement led to the cancellation of a critical summit scheduled for December 15, 2024, after both sides failed to reach a compromise.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for civilians. Since January, more than 7,000 people have lost their lives due to ongoing violence.
The conflict has also displaced around 450,000 people, forcing many into dire conditions. Nearly 90 displacement camps have been destroyed, leaving thousands without shelter or basic necessities.
Reports have surfaced detailing serious human rights violations, including summary executions, sexual violence, and the forced recruitment of child soldiers.
As the crisis deepens, the appointment of Uhuru Kenyatta and his team offers a renewed hope for peace. The success of the joint EAC-SADC peace initiative will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and respect the agreed ceasefires.
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