Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has stepped up diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, hosting high-level meetings with international and regional peace actors.
Kenyatta convened the talks at his private residence in Gatundu, Kiambu County, as part of renewed attempts to stabilize a region plagued by decades of violence, displacement and fragile ceasefires.
In one of the meetings, Kenyatta held discussions with a delegation from the European Institute of Peace led by Senior Advisor Hilde F. Johnson.
The discussions focused on strengthening ongoing peace initiatives and enhancing coordination between African-led mediation processes and international support frameworks.
The Brussels-based institute operates in more than 20 regions worldwide, offering technical expertise and policy advisory support in conflict prevention and resolution, and remains a strategic partner in fragile regions such as eastern Congo.
In a separate engagement, Kenyatta also met Freddy Nkurikiye, a senior advisor to Faure Gnassingbé, who currently serves as a key mediator under the African Union.
Gnassingbé was appointed in April 2025 to lead mediation efforts in the eastern DRC conflict, signaling renewed continental commitment to resolving the crisis.
Regional and international efforts intensify
The meetings come as regional and international actors scale up efforts to stabilize eastern Congo, where armed groups continue to operate despite multiple ceasefire agreements.
Among the key initiatives is the United States-backed Washington Accord, a framework agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda aimed at halting hostilities, disarming militia groups such as the M23 and restoring stability.
However, clashes persist, particularly in South Kivu, underscoring the fragility of the peace process. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions of civilians displaced and in urgent need of assistance.
Meanwhile, fresh diplomatic efforts are underway in Europe, where representatives of the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group are engaged in negotiations in Switzerland.
According to reports by Radio France Internationale, the two sides have signed an interim agreement establishing a joint peace monitoring mechanism.
The body is expected to track humanitarian and security developments and monitor potential ceasefire violations, with support from the MONUSCO.
Kenyatta has continued to play a role as a regional peace broker, leveraging his diplomatic experience and networks to support African-led and international initiatives aimed at resolving one of the continent’s most enduring conflicts.
