Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has held high-level discussions with Chargé d’Affaires Walter Parrs on ongoing regional and international efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to a statement by the U.S. Mission to the African Union on Friday, May 22, 2026, following the meeting, the talks focused on the African Union-led mediation efforts in the Great Lakes region and how they align with parallel peace initiatives being advanced through Washington and Doha.

“Chargé Walter Parrs and HE Former President Kenyatta had a productive discussion on the AU-led mediation for peace in the Great Lakes region, and its coordination with the Washington and Doha processes,” the statement reads.

“Former President Kenyatta’s commitment to regional stability strengthens efforts toward sustainable, durable peace in eastern DRC.”

Focus on the eastern DRC peace process

The discussions come amid continued instability in eastern DRC, where armed conflict and humanitarian challenges have remained a major concern for regional leaders and the international community.

Uhuru, who has remained actively involved in regional peace efforts since leaving office, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting stability in the region.

The meeting also explored coordination between different mediation tracks to ensure a unified and sustainable peace framework for the troubled region.

Recognition of Uhuru’s mediation role

During the engagement, former President Kenyatta’s contribution to regional diplomacy and conflict resolution was acknowledged as an important pillar in ongoing peacebuilding efforts.

Officials noted that his continued involvement strengthens momentum toward achieving durable peace and political stability in eastern Congo.

The AU-led mediation process has been central to efforts seeking dialogue among conflicting parties and broader regional cooperation.

International coordination efforts

The reference to the Washington and Doha processes highlights the growing international dimension of efforts to address the security crisis in eastern DRC.

Multiple diplomatic initiatives have recently emerged as global and regional actors seek to coordinate responses to violence, displacement, and instability in the Great Lakes region.

Analysts say stronger alignment between the various peace initiatives could improve the effectiveness of mediation and reduce duplication of efforts.

Uhuru’s continued regional engagement

Uhuru has, in recent years, maintained an active diplomatic profile in regional affairs, particularly in peace and mediation assignments within Africa.

His meeting with Parrs comes days after he hosted a delegation from the European Institute of Peace (EIP) led by Senior Advisor Hilde F. Johnson, as part of ongoing efforts to address the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to his communications team, he also held talks with Freddy Nkurikiye, a Peace and Security Advisor to Faure Gnassingbé.

Both meetings were held at his Gatundu residence.

Uhuru’s role has involved convening high-level negotiations, coordinating regional stakeholders, and pushing for ceasefire agreements and political settlements aimed at restoring stability in the volatile eastern region.

Through the Nairobi Peace Process, he has been working to build consensus among conflicting parties while supporting broader regional and international initiatives to address the humanitarian and security crisis in the DRC.

Call for peace

Uhuru called for a long-lasting peace as African leaders convened for a high-level retreat on the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa in Libreville.

In a statement on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya outlined key submissions by African leaders on developing the continent.

The two-day retreat, themed “Powering Ceasefires, National Dialogue and Reconciliation for Durable Peace,” focused on strengthening African-led responses to conflict prevention, mediation, reconciliation, and sustainable peace across the continent.

The forum, convened by the African Union Commission (AUC), brought together AU representatives, regional bodies, United Nations envoys, and former African leaders to exchange experiences and develop coordinated approaches towards a long-lasting peace and stability in Africa.

Other distinguished participants present included AUC Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Domitien Ndayizeye, Sahle-Work Zewde, and Patrice Emery Trovoada.