Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has intensified diplomatic engagements on the ongoing peace process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), hosting two high-level meetings at his Gatundu residence in Kiambu County.
In the first meeting, Kenyatta received a delegation from the European Institute of Peace (EIP) led by Senior Advisor Hilde F. Johnson.
The discussions focused on strengthening ongoing initiatives aimed at ending the protracted conflict in eastern DRC, which has remained a major security and humanitarian concern in the Great Lakes region.
The EIP, an independent organization active in over 20 regions globally, brings together technical expertise, policy advisory capabilities, and practical experience in conflict prevention and resolution.
Its proximity to the European Union and European states positions it as a key player in supporting diplomatic efforts, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
In a separate engagement, Kenyatta also held talks with Freddy Nkurikiye, a Peace and Security Advisor to Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. Gnassingbé, who currently serves as the President of the Council of Ministers in Togo, was appointed by the African Union in April 2025 as the lead mediator for the eastern DRC conflict.
The meetings come at a time when regional and international actors are stepping up efforts to stabilize eastern DRC, where armed groups continue to operate despite multiple ceasefire agreements.
Among the key initiatives is the US-mediated “Washington Accord,” a framework agreement between the DRC 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 DRC government and the M23 rebel group have been engaged in negotiations in Switzerland.
The talks, mediated by the United States and Qatar, mark the latest attempt to end months of deadly conflict that has defied previous agreements.
According to reports by Radio France Internationale, the two sides have already signed an interim agreement establishing a joint peace monitoring mechanism. The body will be tasked with tracking humanitarian and security developments, as well as monitoring potential ceasefire violations.
The mechanism is expected to include representatives from both the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, with technical and operational support from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Uhuru has been working as a regional peace broker, leveraging his experience and diplomatic networks to support African-led and international initiatives aimed at resolving one of the continent’s most enduring conflicts.
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