Kenya Urges Sustained Commitment to Peace Process in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: The Government of Kenya has called for unwavering commitment from all parties involved in the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue, cooperation, and international support to achieve lasting stability in the region.
Speaking on the matter, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, commended the regional and international partners who continue to support the DRC peace process. He acknowledged the pivotal roles played by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in harmonising the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes — a joint initiative lauded by the African Union (AU) as a milestone for regional peace.
“Kenya urges all parties involved to honour and execute the agreements established through these comprehensive peace initiatives,” Mudavadi stated. He noted that while significant progress has been made, persistent challenges in Eastern DRC require sustained, coordinated, and context-sensitive interventions.
Mudavadi affirmed Kenya’s commitment to African-led solutions, while recognising the critical role of international actors. In this regard, he praised the African Union’s support for merging the peace processes and appointing additional facilitators in consultation with the AU Commission. He also extended appreciation to the facilitators whose expertise and diverse perspectives have been instrumental in addressing the DRC’s complex challenges.
Highlighting global contributions, Mudavadi acknowledged the constructive role of the State of Qatar, particularly its facilitation of a trilateral meeting on March 18, 2025, hosted by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and attended by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. This engagement, he said, helped advance negotiations, promote mutual understanding, and de-escalate tensions.
Kenya also commended the United States of America for its successful mediation efforts that led to a landmark agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. The agreement focuses on ceasing hostilities, upholding territorial integrity, ending support for armed groups, and establishing a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism.
Furthermore, the agreement includes provisions for the dignified return of refugees and promotion of regional economic integration — a vision Kenya strongly supports as a foundation for sustainable peace and development.
“Kenya urges the United States of America and the State of Qatar to sustain their support for the consolidated Luanda-Nairobi process, which is vital for securing long-term solutions and stability in the region,” Mudavadi remarked.
He concluded by reaffirming Kenya’s dedication to peace in the DRC, stating, “Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to African-led solutions to the challenges facing our continent. However, we also recognise that the support of our international partners is important in achieving lasting peace.”
