Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta convened a three-day high-level meeting in Nairobi on Monday, June 22, 2026, bringing together regional and international stakeholders to refine strategies for engaging armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The closed-door process design meeting, running from Monday, June 22, 2026, to June 24, 2026, is part of Kenyatta’s Armed Groups Working Stream under the Eastern DRC Peace Process.

Representatives from the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region (OSE-GL), and peace and security experts are attending the talks.

“Over the next three days, participants will refine scope, safeguards, and sequencing criteria for future engagement with armed groups in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The meeting will culminate in a closed strategic session with H.E. Kenyatta,” Uhuru’s statement read in part.

Focus on armed groups in eastern DRC

Over the next three days, participants are expected to refine the scope, safeguards and sequencing criteria for future engagement with armed groups operating in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

The discussions are aimed at developing practical frameworks that could guide future dialogue, disarmament efforts and broader peacebuilding initiatives in eastern DRC.

A strategic session chaired by Kenyatta is expected to conclude the meeting, with participants reviewing recommendations and identifying the next steps in the peace process.

Regional peace efforts gain momentum

The Nairobi meeting comes amid increased regional engagement on the DRC conflict. In February 2026, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni hosted Kenyatta and other facilitators involved in the peace process, including Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé.

The facilitation team also includes former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.

The group previously met in Lomé, Togo, in January 2026 to coordinate efforts aimed at supporting peace and stability in the region.

Building on previous agreements

The discussions build on earlier regional initiatives, including agreements reached between Rwanda and the DRC in December 2025 that focused on ceasefire implementation, disarmament of armed groups, refugee returns and economic cooperation.

Eastern DRC continues to face insecurity linked to the activities of multiple armed groups, resulting in displacement and humanitarian challenges across the region.

The Nairobi meeting is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing violence, strengthening civilian protection and advancing political dialogue as regional leaders seek lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.