Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ahead of the 15th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa.
“The retreat convened by the African Union (AU) Commission will focus on the Impact and Sustainability of AU Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation in addressing conflicts across the continent,” the Office of the 4th President of Kenya stated.
This significant gathering, organized in collaboration with the Government of Ivory Coast, will be held from October 25 to 26, 2024.
The theme of the retreat is ‘Impact and Sustainability of AU Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation’.
The event will be opened by Alassane Ouattara, President of Ivory Coast and Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission.
Set against the backdrop of the 20th Anniversary of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), the retreat aims to reflect on and review the AU’s mediation strategies and preventive diplomacy efforts.
Participants will evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of these approaches in addressing the evolving conflicts across the African continent.
The retreat will convene various leaders, including AU Commission leadership, High/Special Representatives, Envoys, and Permanent Representatives.
It will also bring together Heads of Regional Economic Communities and Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), as well as Special Representatives and Special Envoys of the United Nations Secretary-General.
In addition, special envoys working in Africa from organizations such as the European Union, League of Arab States, La Francophonie, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation will participate, alongside representatives from the AU’s bilateral partners, mediation practitioners, experts, academics, and researchers.
Uhuru’s continental missions
Since retiring in September 2022, Uhuru has remained active in various missions across the continent.
As president, he was involved in peace efforts in conflict-affected regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia.
The former Kenyan president was appointed as a peace envoy for DRC and Ethiopia after stepping down from power.
In April 2024, the African Union Commission (AUC) tasked Uhuru with leading an election observation mission in South Africa.
Uhuru oversaw the AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) during South Africa’s general election held on May 29, 2024.
