on 1 August 2025, for the Joint EAC–SADC Co‑Chairs’ Meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) peace process:
The meeting was held at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, 1 August 2025, convened by President William Ruto, who chairs the East African Community (EAC), together with President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Its mandate: to harmonise peace efforts in eastern DRC by coordinating EAC and SADC initiatives and to formally engage the Panel of Facilitators appointed to guide the mediation process
Uhuru Kenyatta attended in his official capacity as a facilitator of the Nairobi‑led mediation process, one of five former heads of state guiding negotiations in the DRC conflict, alongside Obasanjo (Nigeria), Motlanthe (South Africa), Samba‑Panza (CAR), and Zewde (Ethiopia)
This event marked their first public appearance together since 9 December 2024, when Ruto visited Uhuru in Ichaweri, Gatundu, underscoring the significance of their political presence together on regional matters
Although once political rivals—Uhuru endorsed Raila Odinga in 2022, challenging Ruto—they have since shown institutional unity. Their meeting underscores Kenya’s emphasis on national interest and stability over personal rivalry
Summary
August 2025’s meeting at State House was more than ceremonial—it represented a pivotal moment of unified regional leadership, strategic coordination, and institutional continuity in East and Southern Africa’s quest for peace in the DRC. Let me know if you’d like more about the mediators ➝ Nairobi Process, SADC–EAC collaboration, or DRC conflict background.
