Uhuru calls for durable peace as Africa leaders meet in Gabon
By Cynthia Lodite, May 21, 2026Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for a long-lasting peace as African leaders convene 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.
“Uhuru Kenyatta today joined fellow leaders, peace envoys, diplomats, and policymakers at the opening of the 17th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa in Libreville,” read the statement in part.
The two-day Retreat themed “Powering Ceasefires, National Dialogue and Reconciliation for Durable Peace,” focuses 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), brings 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.
What does the retreat mean to Africa
The Retreat aims to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation effectiveness and institutional coordination in addressing Africa’s evolving peace and security challenges.
It will also provide a platform to generate actionable recommendations to reinforce the African Union’s efforts in ceasefire implementation, inclusive national dialogue, reconciliation and durable peacebuilding.
The Retreat has brought together AU High Representatives, members of the Panel of the Wise, Special Envoys, Special and Permanent Representatives, United Nations Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and Special Envoys, and Representatives of the Regional Economic Communities/Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), experts and other relevant stakeholders to exchange experiences and strengthen collective responses to conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa.
The High-Level Retreat is a flagship annual platform that brings together members of the Panel of the Wise, AU High Representatives, Special Representatives, Special Envoys, senior policymakers, mediation practitioners, Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), youth and women peace actors, as well as international partners to reflect on emerging peace and security challenges across the continent and strengthen African-led responses.
The 2026 edition will focus on strengthening the nexus between ceasefire facilitation, national dialogue, and reconciliation processes as key pillars for achieving sustainable peace in Africa.