Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has led a high-level meeting of the Advisory Board for Women, Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region, drawing on community voices to shape a more inclusive approach to resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during the virtual meeting, Uhuru engaged women leaders, civil society representatives, and regional stakeholders.

In his capacity as Facilitator of the African Union-led peace process for Eastern DRC, Uhuru emphasised the need to integrate lived experiences into conflict analysis.

At the same time, the Fourth President highlighted the critical contributions of lived experiences, which he said would support a more inclusive and people-centred peace process.

“The discussions provided valuable community perspectives and lived experiences of the conflict, helping to inform conflict analysis and support a more inclusive and people-centred peace process,” he noted.

In addition, Uhuru highlighted the critical contributions of women, youth, and civil society networks in fostering cross-border initiatives and advancing regional cooperation.

“The virtual meeting also highlighted the critical role of regional cooperation, with women, youth, and civil society networks presenting cross-border initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda,” Uhuru stated.

DRC Peace meetings

Worth noting, the meeting comes amid continued African-led initiatives to consolidate peace efforts in eastern DRC, building on frameworks involving the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union.

“As efforts towards lasting peace continue, stakeholders reaffirmed the importance of inclusive dialogue, local ownership, and sustained partnerships in addressing the region’s challenges and building a more stable and prosperous future,” he added.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta plays a central role in the peace process, where he serves as the African Union–Kenya Peace Envoy and the Facilitator of the East African Community-led Nairobi Peace Process. In this role, he has pushed for dialogue between rival groups, improved humanitarian access, and political solutions to end the fighting.

Kenyatta’s February visit to Uganda follows a series of recent diplomatic engagements, including one on December 5, 2025, where he attended the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace between Rwanda and DRC at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.