Kenya subtly endorses US-Qatar-brokered DRC peace deal, acknowledges changing regional dynamics
While Kenya had long championed African-led solutions—through the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks—it now appears content to play a supporting role to new power brokers in the region.
Kenya has issued a carefully worded statement acknowledging the shifting dynamics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) peace process, weeks after the United States and Qatar brokered a landmark deal between Kinshasa and Kigali.
While Kenya had long championed African-led solutions—through the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks—it now appears content to play a supporting role to new power brokers in the region.
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In a statement released by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Nairobi "commends and values the continued commitment of regional and international partners" while explicitly praising the "trilateral meeting held on 18 March 2025... graciously hosted by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani... and attended by President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame."
The statement further applauds the United States, whose efforts "culminated in the signing of an agreement" aimed at ending hostilities, restoring territorial integrity, and dismantling armed groups.
"Kenya welcomes the agreement's provisions... [including] the establishment of a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism," it reads.
Shift in approach
This diplomatic stance indicates a shift in approach.
After spending significant political capital to lead peace talks through the East African Community (EAC), Kenya now urges Qatar and the US to "sustain their support for the consolidated Luanda-Nairobi process."
It's a subtle but telling acknowledgement of lost leverage.
Still, Kenya maintains it "remains steadfast in its commitment to African-led solutions," though it concedes that "support of our international partners is important in achieving lasting peace."
Behind the formal language lies a hard reality: Africa's once-confident diplomatic frameworks are increasingly sidelined as global heavyweights step in.
The AU has "welcomed the peace initiatives as significant milestones," but its leadership—alongside Kenya's—appears more reactive than directive.
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