Tshisekedi Turns to Nairobi as Rebels Advance Toward Kinshasa

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has turned to Nairobi for diplomatic backing as rebel forces edge closer to Kinshasa after seizing the country’s second-largest city last week.

With the conflict escalating in eastern DRC, Mr Tshisekedi is seeking the support of regional leaders to stem the rebel advance.

As Chair of the EAC, Kenya hosted a high-level delegation from Tshisekedi to discuss urgent steps to stabilise the situation.

The delegation, led by MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Lambert Mende, included the President’s High Representative Sambu Mambu, Public Works Minister Alexis Gisaro, and Trade Minister Julien Paluku.

The talks built on the outcomes of the recent Joint Summit of the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The DRC has been grappling with armed insurgencies for decades, but the latest rebel offensive marks one of the most significant threats to the central government in years.

The fall of the second-largest city has opened a corridor for rebel forces to push westward towards Kinshasa, raising fears of a broader conflict that could destabilise the region.

The EAC has played a growing role in regional peace efforts, with previous attempts to mediate in the DRC’s conflict.

However, the renewed violence has intensified calls for stronger military and diplomatic intervention.

Mr Tshisekedi’s turn to Nairobi highlights the urgency of coordinated regional action to prevent further escalation.

The DRC joined the EAC in 2022, aiming to strengthen economic ties and improve security cooperation.

Yet, the growing instability in its eastern provinces continues to strain these efforts.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org