The meeting comes amid rising tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebel movement. It also follows Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s rejection of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi’s offer for dialogue during the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels.

Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, was recently sentenced to death in absentia for high treason and alleged collusion with the M23. His conviction has turned the Nairobi meeting into a controversial political statement, which many in Kinshasa see as a challenge to state authority.

The choice of Nairobi is not accidental. The Kenyan capital has long played a role in Congolese political crises and peace processes. This time, analysts believe Kabila is seeking to use Nairobi’s influence to reposition himself on the regional stage and test Kenya’s diplomatic balance between the West, Rwanda, and Kinshasa.

The presence of Congolese fugitives wanted by Kinshasa’s justice system has fueled speculation about President William Ruto’s stance and Nairobi’s possible tolerance of political maneuvers that could destabilize the DRC.

For Kabila, the Nairobi meeting is less about diplomacy than survival. It is an attempt to counter the weight of his conviction by projecting an image of continued political relevance at home. Whether this risky move pays off will depend on how Kinshasa, its regional partners, and the international community respond to what some describe as a calculated act of defiance.

Nairobi Times

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by Chris Mahandara

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Contrary to speculation, President Tshisekedi did not announce any withdrawal from the Doha peace process. His position remains one of open, responsible diplomacy, grounded in the search for negotiated solutions rather than confrontation. Reiterating his longstanding message of peace and cooperation, the Congolese leader emphasized the DRC’s good faith and its refusal to engage in a spiral of military escalation.

Speaking before world leaders, President Tshisekedi directly addressed his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, urging him to return to the Doha and Washington negotiation tables.

“It is not too late to make things right,” he declared. “I take this forum as a witness as I extend my hand to you, Mr. President, so that we may achieve a peace of the brave. This requires that you order the M23 troops, supported by your country, to stop this escalation that has already claimed too many lives.”

Through this pointed yet conciliatory appeal, Tshisekedi once again placed pressure on Kagame, holding him accountable for Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict ravaging eastern Congo. His intervention in Brussels was both a diplomatic reminder and a moral appeal a call for Rwanda to face its responsibilities and for the international community to recognize the human cost of the ongoing crisis.

By turning the Global Gateway Forum into a platform for truth and reconciliation, President Tshisekedi reaffirmed his vision of a peaceful, interconnected, and forward-looking Africa.

The Editorial Team

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In his latest report, released Thursday, October 2, Guterres states that over the past three months, the M23 backed by the Rwandan army, has continued to expand its operations in North Kivu’s Walikale and Masisi territories.

The report details heavy military operations in areas under the movement’s control, particularly targeting FDLR strongholds often presented as a justification for the crimes committed by Rwandan forces in the land of Lumumba.

As Kinshasa pushes for international recognition of the Congolese genocide allegedly carried out by the Kigali regime, Kenya an important economic partner may soon be expected to speak out against Rwanda’s role in the ongoing atrocities in the DRC.

Nairobitimes

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Acting under President Tshisekedi’s directives, Kolongele has managed to engage the opposition in dialogue, persuading leading figure Martin Fayulu to embrace a shared vision of national defense. Fayulu even accepted a meeting with the Head of State to forge a united front for the country. Several other opposition members have since crossed over to join Tshisekedi’s government.

Behind the scenes, observers credit Kolongele with playing a discreet but decisive role in both U.S.-Kinshasa security talks and the Doha discussions with the M23 rebel movement. At home, he has launched sweeping investigations into corruption within the army, leading to the arrest of senior generals accused of embezzlement, a move that has bolstered the strength of the Congolese armed forces on the frontlines.

These shifts have resonated beyond Congo’s borders. In Kenya, growing voices are urging President William Ruto’s administration to stop backing, from Nairobi, groups that undermine DRC’s stability. With major economic interests in Congo through Kenyan banks, many argue it is in Nairobi’s own interest to support peace for the Congolese people.

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The High-Level Week of UNGA brings together world leaders at a critical moment for multilateralism.

Leaders at the Opening Session of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York

The President has been in New York holding sideline meetings with Global and African leaders.Ruto is leading Africa’s push for reforms in global finance, climate action, and peace.He seeks to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to global cooperation, call for reforms of the financial system and demand fair access to development finance for developing nations.

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US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns made the assurance during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, on Monday.

Burns praised Kenya for its leadership role in promoting global peace, highlighting its intervention in Haiti as a notable example of international responsibility.

“Kenya deserves immense credit for what it has done,” Burns said. “The Haiti matter will be top of the agenda this week during the UN General Assembly. We understand the concern over financial questions; it has been a struggle but Kenya’s commitment has not gone unnoticed.”

The Speaker raised concerns over the recent US decision to withdraw funding for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti, which is slated to transition into a UN operation.

“There was anticipated financial support, there was a commitment, what happened? Kenya has done more than it needed to do,” Wetang’ula said.

Burns revealed that President William Ruto is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, where discussions on the Haiti mission and broader US-Kenya relations will take center stage.

Wetang’ula also voiced worries about the impact of the suspension of USAID operations in Kenya, especially its effects on the health sector.

In response, Burns disclosed she had already engaged with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to explore solutions to cushion the affected sectors.

Even before USAID’s withdrawal, Kenya had achieved epidemic control in HIV, which is an incredible milestone worth celebrating,” Burns said.

“The US still remains the largest donor in health and humanitarian assistance.”

The talks further covered trade and economic cooperation. The Speaker expressed concerns about the 10 percent tariff on Kenyan exports to the US, warning of its negative consequences on trade and growth.

Burns explained that both countries are preparing to negotiate a broad, comprehensive trade agreement.

“We are waiting for our US trade representative to give us a green light, but negotiations will start very soon,” she said.

On investment, Burns pledged to encourage US technology companies to invest in Kenya’s creative industry, describing it as a “sleeping giant” full of untapped opportunities for the youth.

he Speaker urged the US to take a more proactive role in promoting peace and stability in East Africa and beyond.“The US, Kenya, and the UN are guarantors of South Sudan’s independence, but we have allowed it to degenerate into a failed state. We need serious international intervention,” Wetang’ula said.

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