National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula met with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Nairobi for urgent discussions on regional stability. Their talks focused on ongoing mediation efforts between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda amid heightened tensions.

Obasanjo, a key figure in African peace negotiations, is working alongside Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta, South Africa’s Kgalema Motlanthe, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde and Central African Republic’s Catherine Samba-Panza to facilitate a resolution under the African Union’s framework.

Reflecting on his diplomatic career, Obasanjo highlighted his long-standing commitment to peace. “It was the same problem we are dealing with now. We must find a solution,” he stated.

Wetang’ula, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, acknowledged the persistent nature of the conflict, recalling his involvement in DRC peace efforts alongside the late Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa. “As foreign minister then, I worked on the Congo conflict with Mkapa in 2009. The same problem is persisting 14 years later,” he noted.

He emphasized the need for African-led solutions, calling for unity and decisive action. “I commend the sustained and reinvigorated diplomatic efforts by African leaders. It is only through high-level mediation and collective political will that we can secure enduring peace and development for our people,” Wetang’ula said.

The meeting comes as the Great Lakes region grapples with renewed instability. Leaders continue to push for diplomatic solutions, increased humanitarian response and stronger regional cooperation to foster lasting peace.

As one of Kenya’s senior statesmen, Wetang’ula remains a strong voice in regional diplomacy, reinforcing the call for homegrown solutions to Africa’s conflicts.