Kenya urges commitment in DRC peace talks for lasting stability

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi at a past event / FILE

Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya commends and values the continued commitment of regional and international partners in advancing the peace process in the DRC.

He said Kenya particularly acknowledges the unified initiative by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, which harmonised the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes.

"Kenya urges all parties involved to honour and execute the agreements established through these comprehensive peace initiatives. The African Union has welcomed the peace initiatives as significant milestones towards regional peace and stability. While notable advancements have been achieved, Kenya recognises the enduring challenges in Eastern DRC, which have persisted for decades,” Mudavadi said.

“These lingering challenges necessitate sustained, coordinated, and context-sensitive interventions. Kenya, therefore, calls upon all parties and other stakeholders to remain committed to dialogue and cooperation to resolve the conflict for lasting stability in the DRC and the region.”

Mudavadi said the African Union has supported the merger to enhance coordination, harmonisation and complementarity of the two Processes and the appointment of additional facilitators to support the merged process, in consultations with the AU Commission.

Kenya appreciated the contributions of the facilitators, who have brought expertise and diverse perspectives to address the complex challenges facing the DRC.

The coordinated approach, Mudavadi said, is vital for the people of the DRC and reinforces the broader efforts of the African Union and other regional stakeholders to prevent the situation in the DRC from becoming one of Africa's protracted and forgotten conflicts.

“Kenya acknowledges and supports the steadfast and constructive role played by the State of Qatar in facilitating peace efforts between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of Rwanda, and the AFC/M23,” he added.

“In particular, the trilateral meeting held on March 18, 2025, graciously 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, significantly contributed to advancing negotiations, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting de-escalation of tensions in the region.”

Kenya further commended the United States of America for its mediation efforts, which culminated in the signing of an agreement between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda.

Mudavadi said the agreement reflects a commitment to cease hostilities, uphold territorial integrity, end support for armed groups, and establish a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism to oversee implementation.

He said Kenya welcomes the agreement's provisions aimed at facilitating the safe and dignified return of refugees and advancing regional economic integration as a pathway to 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 said Qatar's exemplary role in mediation, as demonstrated by its draft peace proposal and hosting of negotiations, underscores its commitment to international peace and security.

The United States' continued engagement, alongside regional and international partners, will be crucial in addressing the root causes of instability and fostering sustainable peace.

“Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to African-led solutions to the challenges facing our continent, particularly in the pursuit of peace in the DRC. However, we also recognise that the support of our international partners is important in achieving lasting peace.”