Uhuru among leaders appointed to lead DR Congo peace talks
In a significant development aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), former leaders from across Africa have been appointed to facilitate peace efforts in the region. Among the key figures is Uhuru Kenyatta, former president of Kenya, who is joining Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo and Ethiopia’s Hailemariam Desalegn as joint facilitators of the peace initiative. This new structure is set to unify two important peace processes: the EAC-led Nairobi Process and the Luanda peace framework.
The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have both been heavily invested in the stability of the DRC, a nation that has faced prolonged instability in its eastern provinces. The new peace talks, led by these three influential leaders like Uhuru, are expected to bring a coordinated approach that merges these regional efforts into a singular, more effective peace process. This collective decision was made during a Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025.
The summit was co-chaired by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, also the chair of SADC, and President William Ruto of Kenya, the current chair of the EAC. The gathering marked a pivotal moment in the region’s attempt to resolve the DRC crisis. By bringing together leaders with experience in managing regional conflicts, the summit set the foundation for the ongoing peace process and coordinated military strategies. This new initiative is also expected to include a host of diplomatic engagements designed to address the roots of the conflict while facilitating the return of stability.
Uhuru: Coordinating the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes
The Nairobi Process, initiated in April 2022, focused on engaging the DRC government, armed groups, civil society, and international actors in dialogue and negotiation to restore peace in the region. Its objective was clear: to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with strong regional leadership backing the efforts. The process has already achieved some successes, but it was clear that a unified approach with more comprehensive support would be necessary to address the complex issues faced by the DRC.
The new framework that combines the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes reflects this shift toward a coordinated approach. The decision to appoint former heads of state such as Uhuru Kenyatta signals a strong commitment to regional cooperation and peacebuilding. Kenyatta’s leadership experience in managing complex diplomatic relations will be an asset in ensuring that all relevant stakeholders engage constructively in the negotiations.
The combined framework will allow both the EAC and SADC to leverage their collective resources, military support, and diplomatic influence to address the root causes of the conflict, including rebel activity, the humanitarian crisis, and the instability in the region’s governance structures. The hope is that this comprehensive approach will lead to lasting peace in the DRC’s eastern provinces.
Uhuru: The Role of Regional Defense Forces
Following the summit, the Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDFs) from both EAC and SADC gathered in Nairobi on February 21, 2025, to assess the current security situation and formulate intervention strategies. This meeting was crucial in setting the groundwork for coordinated military and security operations to help stabilize the region. It is part of a broader effort to bring about an immediate ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected populations.
In Dar es Salaam, similar discussions took place between SADC’s Chiefs of Defense Forces. These deliberations focused on the security landscape and how both regional blocs could work together to implement peacekeeping strategies that align with the objectives set out in the Joint Summit. The key focus of these meetings was to ensure that all military interventions support diplomatic efforts, minimizing civilian harm and ensuring peacebuilding efforts remain central to any strategy.
The inclusion of military leadership is an important part of the peace initiative, as it highlights the need for a combined diplomatic-military approach. The EAC and SADC are committed to restoring peace, but they understand that military support will be necessary to enforce any agreements and maintain the stability achieved through dialogue. The upcoming EAC-SADC joint Chiefs of Defense Forces meeting on February 24, 2025, will provide further details about these interventions.
Uhuru: Key Measures Outlined for Immediate Action
The peace initiative put forth by the EAC and SADC emphasizes several key measures that aim to stabilize the situation in Eastern DRC. One of the most urgent steps is the immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the conflicting parties, including the M23 rebel group and other armed factions. This ceasefire will help facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to areas that have been heavily impacted by the ongoing violence.
Another critical element of the plan is the reopening of essential supply routes, particularly those leading into the DRC’s strategic cities like Goma. These routes are vital for the transportation of aid and goods to populations in need, many of whom have been cut off due to ongoing hostilities. The restoration of these routes will also contribute to the economic recovery of the region, ensuring that trade can resume and that critical services can be provided to communities.
In addition to these measures, the plan includes a focus on improving security in Goma and its surrounding areas. The region has been a hotspot for rebel activities and has witnessed frequent attacks on civilians and aid workers. As part of the initiative, security forces will be deployed to ensure the safety of civilians and to restore order. The reopening of Goma Airport, which has been closed for months due to the conflict, is also part of the comprehensive strategy aimed at rebuilding the region’s infrastructure and facilitating the flow of international aid and personnel.
Uhuru: Ensuring the Success of the Peace Process
The success of the peace process will depend heavily on the cooperation of all parties involved in the conflict. The EAC and SADC have called on the M23 rebel group, as well as other armed factions, to honor the ceasefire and cease all hostilities. The peace initiative will only succeed if all stakeholders, including the DRC government, regional leaders, and armed groups, collaborate effectively to bring about a stable and lasting peace.
Further consultations are expected as the process moves forward. A Joint Ministerial Meeting will take place on February 28, 2025, where additional details about the execution of the ceasefire and the next steps in the peace process will be discussed. During this meeting, it is expected that the parties will finalize specific protocols for ceasefire monitoring and the broader implementation of security measures.
The commitment of the regional leadership is crucial in ensuring that the peace process is carried through to completion. With the support of former leaders like Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Hailemariam Desalegn, the peace initiative stands a strong chance of achieving its goals. The EAC and SADC are fully invested in bringing stability to the region and ending the humanitarian crisis that has affected millions in Eastern DRC.
