Rwandan Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe met with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 6, 2026, to discuss the security situation in eastern Congo. The meeting, attended by other top Rwandan government officials, focused on the African Union's efforts to find a solution to the security crisis in the region. Nduhungirehe and Kenyatta discussed the work of the African Union's mediation team and the continued support for the peace process.
Kenyatta, who has experience in addressing the security situation in eastern Congo, previously led the Nairobi peace talks aimed at reconciling the Congolese government and armed groups in the region. Although those talks did not yield the expected results, Kenyatta's involvement in the current mediation efforts is seen as crucial. The talks in Nairobi were intended to find a political solution to the years-long conflict, but they ultimately stalled.
In 2022, the East African Community (EAC) launched the Nairobi Process, a peace initiative aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Congo. Kenyatta was appointed as a mediator in the process, which sought to promote peace and monitor the implementation of agreements. The EAC stated that Kenyatta's role was to facilitate peace and follow up on the implementation of the agreements reached in the Nairobi Process.
In March 2025, the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decided to expand the mediation team to include former presidents. Kenyatta was part of a team of five former presidents tasked with helping to find a solution to the security crisis in eastern Congo. The team worked with various stakeholders in the region to support the peace process led by the African Union.
Kenyatta's visit to Goma, where he met with local leaders and discussed the security situation, was part of a broader effort to assess the progress made in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The visit aimed to examine the steps taken to address the security and humanitarian crises in eastern Congo and the region as a whole.
The security situation in eastern Congo remains a pressing concern, with various armed groups operating in the region. The African Union's mediation efforts, supported by regional organizations such as the EAC and SADC, aim to find a lasting solution to the conflict. Kenyatta's involvement in the process is seen as a key aspect of these efforts.
The discussions between Nduhungirehe and Kenyatta reflect the ongoing regional efforts to address the security crisis in eastern Congo. The two leaders emphasized the importance of a peaceful solution to the conflict and the need for continued support from regional and international partners. The outcome of these efforts will likely have significant implications for the stability of the region.
Key points
- Rwanda and Kenya are working together to address the security situation in eastern Congo.
- The African Union's mediation efforts aim to find a lasting solution to the conflict in eastern Congo.
- Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta plays a key role in the regional peace process.
