Uhuru hosts EU envoy for talks on regional stability
By Aloys Michael, July 18, 2025Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hosted European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, Ambassador Johan Borgstam, for high-level talks at his Nairobi residence, focusing on peace-building and regional stability across the African Great Lakes region.
The meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote durable peace across the volatile African Great Lakes region.
The discussions between the two leaders, according to a statement on Friday, July 18, 2025, focused on regional peace-building efforts, humanitarian concerns, and the need for sustained international cooperation in addressing recurring insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and surrounding nations.
Uhuru emphasised the importance of a coordinated, dialogue-based approach to conflict resolution.
Uhuru calls for dialogue
“The path to lasting peace lies in inclusive dialogue, mutual respect among nations, and unwavering commitment to the interests of the people,” he said.
Uhuru, who currently serves as one of the facilitators picked after a joint summit between East African Community (EAC) Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the situation in eastern DRC, reaffirmed his dedication to supporting African-led solutions to African problems.
“Peace in the Great Lakes region is not just a local necessity; it is a continental imperative. Stability here directly impacts the development trajectory of Africa as a whole,” he added.
The former Head of State lauded the European Union’s continued support for peace initiatives in the region, noting the bloc’s critical role in both diplomatic and humanitarian dimensions.
“We appreciate the EU’s steadfast partnership. The support of the international community is vital to sustaining dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict,” read the statement.
Ambassador Borgstam echoed similar sentiments, commending Uhuru’s mediation work and reaffirming the EU’s readiness to continue supporting regional peace efforts.
“The European Union is committed to working with African leaders and institutions to foster durable peace, political stability, and inclusive development in the Great Lakes region,” Borgstam said.
The meeting also touched on the humanitarian fallout from the ongoing violence in eastern Congo, including the displacement of civilians and the worsening refugee crisis. Uhuru urged the international community to prioritise humanitarian relief and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
“The cost of inaction is too high. Every displaced child, every community torn apart by violence, is a reminder that peace cannot wait,” Uhuru said.
Uhuru has been actively involved in shuttle diplomacy and dialogue facilitation under the Nairobi and Luanda processes, engaging armed groups, regional heads of state, and international partners in pursuit of a comprehensive peace deal in eastern DRC.
He underscored the need for sustained engagement by all parties.
“Peace-building is a long-term process. It requires patience, persistence, and the political will to put the region’s future above narrow interests,” he noted.