On October 6, 2026, Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, welcomed former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to Kigali. Kenyatta, a member of the African Union's (AU) committee tasked with facilitating peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), met with Nduhungirehe and other top Rwandan government officials. The visit comes as efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict in eastern DRC continue, with the AU playing a key role in mediating talks and bringing together warring parties.
The discussions between Kenyatta and Rwandan officials focused on the AU committee's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. The committee's role in supporting African-led initiatives to resolve the crisis was also discussed. The conflict in eastern DRC has persisted for years, displacing millions and causing widespread humanitarian suffering. The AU's involvement aims to bring together the warring parties and facilitate a negotiated settlement.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of continued political dialogue, building trust between parties, and finding sustainable solutions to security and peace challenges in the region. The AU committee, which includes former African leaders like Kenyatta, brings valuable experience to the peace process. By leveraging their expertise, the committee aims to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Kenyatta's visit to Rwanda is seen as a significant step in the AU's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Rwanda has reiterated its commitment to finding a solution to the security challenges in the region through political dialogue and adherence to agreements and frameworks established by African organizations. The country has emphasized the need for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The discussions between Kenyatta and Rwandan officials also reviewed progress on peace efforts and identified areas for further action. The AU's peace initiative aims to bring together all parties to the conflict and facilitate a negotiated settlement. The committee's work is critical in supporting African-led initiatives to resolve the crisis and promote lasting peace in the region.
The conflict in eastern DRC has had far-reaching consequences, including widespread displacement and humanitarian suffering. The AU's involvement aims to address the root causes of the conflict and promote a sustainable peace. By engaging former African leaders like Kenyatta, the AU is leveraging valuable experience and expertise to support the peace process.
The meeting between Kenyatta and Rwandan officials concluded with a commitment to continue working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The AU's peace initiative will continue to play a key role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between parties. Key efforts will focus on the following:
Key points
- The African Union is playing a key role in mediating peace talks in eastern DRC.
- Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is a member of the AU committee tasked with facilitating peace in eastern DRC.
- Rwanda has emphasized the need for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict through political dialogue and adherence to agreements and frameworks established by African organizations.
