A statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday indicated that Nduhungirehe received Kenyatta alongside other senior government officials. Kenyatta is a member of the African Union Panel of Facilitators supporting the peace process in eastern DRC.

“Discussions focused on the work of the Panel of Facilitators and ongoing efforts to advance the AU-led peace process,” the ministry said.

The meeting came after Kenyatta and other members of the Panel held consultations in Goma on October 5 as part of efforts to support the AU-led peace process aimed at addressing the conflict in eastern DRC.

The delegation, led by former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, also included former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. They met representatives of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM), and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance.

The consultations covered the peace process, the security and humanitarian situation, and measures needed to strengthen confidence among the parties.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Panel reaffirmed that lasting peace requires political dialogue and called for continued engagement in good faith in the Doha process involving the Kinshasa administration and AFC/M23.

It also urged all parties to respect ceasefire commitments, cooperate fully with verification mechanisms and exercise restraint against actions that could undermine the peace process.

The Panel highlighted the need to protect civilians, particularly women and girls, prevent sexual and gender-based violence and ensure accountability for violations. It also called for safe and unhindered humanitarian access and protection of essential services and educational facilities.

The Panel said it would convey the outcomes of the Goma consultations to the AU Mediator and the DRC government as it continues efforts to strengthen civilian protection, build confidence and advance the peace process.