The fourth President, Uhuru Kenyatta, participated in a high-level consultative meeting aimed at advancing peace efforts in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The gathering brought together a panel of African leaders and facilitators under the African Union Commission (AUC), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Office of the 4th President confirmed Uhuru’s attendance at the panel of facilitators on Eastern DRC peace progress that was held in Ethiopia.

“His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta attended a Consultative Meeting of the AUC-EAC-SADC Panel of Facilitators on the Eastern DRC Peace Process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, earlier today.

Also present were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia),” the Office of the Fourth President stated.

Stabilising DRC

The consultative meeting focused on strategies to stabilise eastern DRC, a region long affected by conflict, militia activity, and humanitarian crises. Leaders discussed coordinated approaches to foster dialogue, strengthen regional cooperation, and protect civilians.

The facilitators emphasised the role of Africa-led diplomacy in resolving protracted conflicts without external interference.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Catherine Samba-Panza, and Sahle-Work Zewde joined Uhuru to share experiences from their countries’ peace-building initiatives. Their combined expertise is expected to guide practical interventions in the DRC.

The meeting also sought to align efforts between the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This trilateral cooperation is seen as essential for maintaining momentum toward a sustainable political settlement.

The AUC-EAC-SADC panel aims to provide credible, inclusive, and regionally owned solutions to the conflict in eastern DRC.