Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Deputy Foreign Minister, Hon. Gracia Yamba, engaged in direct and candid discussions on Sunday morning in Zanzibar. The meeting, facilitated by Tanzania and South Sudan, co-chairs of the East African Community (EAC) Ministerial Retreat, aimed to address the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC.

The talks were attended by ministers from Uganda, Kenya, and the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of political affairs, underscoring the regional commitment to finding a resolution.

Amb. Nduhungirehe emphasized the productive nature of the discussions, stating, “The meeting took place in a constructive and solution-oriented spirit. Both sides underscored the need for a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC, and concrete decisions were taken to reinvigorate the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.”

The ministers’ willingness to collaborate and their focus on political solutions highlighted a shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. The retreat provided a platform for addressing regional peace and security issues, with the participation of Uganda and Kenya’s ministers adding significant weight to the discussions.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to pave the way for renewed efforts towards resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, focusing on political solutions and regional cooperation. The reinvigoration of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes is seen as a crucial step in addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting lasting peace.

Further discussions are anticipated to build on the momentum generated by this meeting, reinforcing the importance of unity and collaboration among regional leaders in achieving peace and stability in East Africa.