Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined other African Union leaders in a renewed push for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement posted on his official X account on May 19, 2025, Uhuru announced that he had held a high-level meeting with fellow Panel of Facilitators members and AU Mediator Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé in Lomé, Togo, on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

“President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta, alongside members of the Panel of Facilitators, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Catherine Samba-Panza, and Sahle-Work Zewde, met with AU Mediator H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé in Lomé, Togo on May 17, 2025,” the statement reads.

Fostering dialogue

During the discussions, the AU Mediator and the Panel underscored the critical importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation among the conflicting parties in the DRC.

They welcomed recent signs of progress, including renewed commitments by key actors to engage in peaceful negotiations toward a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.

“The AU Mediator and the Panel emphasised the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation among the conflicting parties, welcoming recent commitments to a peaceful resolution,” the statement adds.

Broader regional goals

The leaders collectively reaffirmed their dedication to achieving lasting stability not only in the DRC but also in the broader Great Lakes region, which has long been affected by cross-border tensions and recurring cycles of violence.

“They reaffirmed their collective dedication to achieving lasting stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the broader region,” the statement reads.

The statement also recognised Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé’s contribution to the peace initiative, praising his stewardship of the AU mediation process.

“The Panel expressed deep appreciation to H.E. Gnassingbé for his leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing peace in Africa,” the statement noted.

HE President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta, alongside members of the Panel of Facilitators including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Catherine Samba-Panza, and Sahle-Work Zewde met with AU Mediator H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé in Lomé, Togo on May 17, 2025. pic.twitter.com/N8FMwautTE

— Office of the 4th President of Kenya. (@4thPresidentKE) May 19, 2025

Origins of the Panel of Facilitators

The Panel of Facilitators was constituted as part of an agreement reached during a virtual Joint Summit of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government held on March 24, 2025.

The summit, co-chaired by Kenya’s President and EAC Chair William Ruto and Zimbabwe’s President and SADC Chair Emmerson Mnangagwa, was attended by 14 regional leaders and focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.

“The Joint Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)… held a virtual Meeting on 24th March 2025… to deliberate on the report of the joint EAC-SADC Ministers on the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),” the official communiqué from the summit stated.

The five-member panel includes Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia).

“The Joint Summit, taking into account gender, regional and language inclusivity, appointed the following eminent persons to the Panel of Facilitators,” the communiqué added.

The facilitators are expected to mediate between armed factions, monitor the peace process, and coordinate with the EAC, SADC, African Union, and the United Nations Security Council to ensure swift and effective implementation of peace efforts.