Kenyatta, the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Peace Process, emphasized that both initiatives play complementary roles in addressing the multi-layered crisis.

"The two processes of Luanda and Nairobi hold the greatest promise for a resolution and termination of the crisis in the eastern DRC. The two processes are complementary and interdependent," Kenyatta stated in a briefing submitted to the EAC, the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Distinct yet complementary approaches

The Nairobi Process, spearheaded by the EAC, aims to mediate a resolution between the Government of the DRC and various armed groups active in the eastern regions of the country. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has hosted multiple rounds of peace talks in Nairobi, aiming to facilitate the disarmament and reintegration of armed factions.

"The political aspect [of the Nairobi Process] focused on engaging all stakeholders including armed groups, political factions, civil society, and regional partners in an inclusive conversation aimed at resolving the conflict and fostering long-term peace," Kenyatta explained.

This initiative also led to the deployment of the EAC Regional Force (EACRF) to maintain security in volatile areas. However, recent political shifts in the DRC, coupled with renewed violence in North and South Kivu, have significantly undermined its progress.

The Luanda Peace Process, on the other hand, is mediated by Angola under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the African Union (AU). It primarily seeks to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the M23 rebel group—claims that President Paul Kagame has repeatedly dismissed.

In November 2022, the process facilitated a ceasefire agreement between the DRC government and M23 rebels, but its implementation has been inconsistent.

Kenyatta’s report highlights setbacks faced by the Nairobi Peace Process, particularly the disruption caused by the December 2023 DRC elections and the subsequent formation of a new government. These political shifts slowed down peace negotiations, exacerbating security instability in the region.

"Following the December 2023 elections in the DRC, the formation of a new government delayed the resumption of the Nairobi Process. While engagements with key stakeholders continued, the lack of political momentum, coupled with renewed hostilities in North Kivu and South Kivu, has significantly undermined the progress made in 2022-2023," he stated.

The M23 rebels last month regained control of key towns, including Goma, leading to renewed conflict in the eastern DRC.

Despite these challenges, Kenyatta remains hopeful that a concerted effort involving both peace processes can lead to lasting peace.

"There is an African solution to this African problem, and it is predicated on bringing both DRC and Rwanda back to the negotiation table while at the same time ensuring that the internal dynamics of people and politics in the eastern DRC are managed and directed to a path of peace and reconciliation through the Intra-Congolese Dialogue process," he asserted.

The upcoming joint Summit of SADC and EAC, scheduled for February 7-8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as well as the African Union’s 37th Ordinary Session, will be crucial in determining the next steps for the peace efforts.

Kenyatta’s report urges renewed political will, regional coordination, and sustained international support to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has reaffirmed the importance of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes in resolving the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the need for renewed political will and regional cooperation.