The meeting comes at a critical moment, as regional tensions remain high and renewed clashes continue to displace civilians in eastern DRC. The discussions between President Kagame and Mr. Kenyatta focused on bolstering coordinated efforts to bring an end to the protracted conflict, and on addressing its deeper structural causes — including governance deficits, armed group proliferation, unresolved refugee issues, and foreign interference.
According to a statement from the Rwandan presidency, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting regional initiatives that prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and security sector reform. President Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s support for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, provided it takes into account what he described as “longstanding security concerns that Rwanda has raised for decades, especially regarding the FDLR [Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda], still operating from Congolese territory.”
For his part, Mr. Kenyatta emphasized the importance of trust-building and inclusivity in the peace process. He noted that only a political solution that engages all stakeholders — including affected communities, civil society, and displaced populations — can lead to sustainable peace. “We cannot afford to treat the symptoms without dealing with the root causes,” he said, adding that regional cooperation and good-faith diplomacy are essential to stabilizing the Great Lakes region.
The visit also aligns with renewed regional diplomatic momentum following the Washington Agreement signed in June between Kinshasa and Kigali, under U.S. mediation — an accord that remains contentious and fragile on the ground. Mr. Kenyatta’s facilitation role is seen as critical in bridging the gap between the EAC-led Nairobi Process and the more recent SADC initiatives.
Observers note that while the regional and international diplomatic track has intensified, the humanitarian situation in North and South Kivu continues to deteriorate, with over 7 million people displaced and limited access for humanitarian actors. Both leaders called on international partners to scale up support for peacebuilding, stabilization, and development efforts in the eastern DRC.
Mr. Kenyatta is expected to continue his consultations with other key actors in the peace process, including Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and SADC leadership, in the days to come.
