Former President Uhuru Attends Key Meeting Chaired by Ruto
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the key facilitators attending a virtual peace meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, chaired by President William Ruto.
The meeting, held late in the evening, was aimed at advancing the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) peace process under the mandate of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Also in attendance was former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who joined virtually, alongside Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia and Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic. The session followed directives from a joint EAC-SADC summit, instructing the co-chairs to engage with peace facilitators within seven days to establish a roadmap for de-escalation in the conflict-ridden region.
Notable Absence of South African Representative
However, the meeting did not include former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, who was initially proposed as part of the peace facilitation panel. While Motlanthe was on the recommended list of mediators, his absence was notable, and by the time of this publication, Johannesburg had issued clarification regarding his position.
Ongoing Crisis in Eastern DRC
The eastern region of the DRC has been plagued by decades of violent conflicts, with various armed groups exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and displacing thousands. The joint summit reviewed reports from previous security and defense ministry meetings, endorsing immediate and long-term measures to stabilize the region.
These efforts align with resolutions previously adopted by the African Union and the United Nations Security Council. In February, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2773, which increased pressure on all parties to end hostilities and called for the withdrawal of foreign armed groups from the DRC.
A Unified Peace Roadmap
A significant outcome of the peace process has been the merging of the Nairobi and Luanda peace initiatives to establish a cohesive approach to conflict resolution. The new framework integrates military, political, and diplomatic strategies to enforce a ceasefire and promote long-term stability in the region.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the role of regional leaders and international stakeholders remains crucial in navigating the complex security challenges in the DRC.
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Former President Uhuru Attends Key Meeting Chaired by Ruto
