Uhuru joins top African mediators at Libreville peace summit in Gabon
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Libreville on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to attend a high-level African peace and security retreat bringing together diplomats, mediators and regional leaders to discuss solutions to conflicts and political instability across the continent.
The meeting, officially known as the 17th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa, comes amid growing concern over prolonged conflicts, fragile peace agreements and political tensions in several African countries.
In a statement shared through social media, the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya said Uhuru had travelled to the Gabonese capital ahead of the multi-stakeholder forum, which is being held under the theme, “Powering Ceasefires, National Dialogue and Reconciliation for Durable Peace.”
According to organisers, the retreat has brought together representatives from the African Union, regional blocs, United Nations agencies, peacebuilding institutions, experts and other key stakeholders involved in conflict prevention and mediation efforts across Africa.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening ceasefires, promoting national dialogue and advancing reconciliation initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace on the continent.
“The Retreat brings together African Union representatives, regional bodies, UN envoys, experts and key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and share experiences on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustainable conflict resolution across Africa,” Uhuru’s office said.
The forum is also expected to assess the successes and challenges of African-led mediation efforts in recent years while exploring ways to improve coordination between regional organisations, civil society groups and international partners involved in peacekeeping and reconciliation programmes.
Uhuru, who has remained active in continental diplomacy since leaving office in 2022, has increasingly taken up mediation and peacebuilding roles, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region.
His participation in the Libreville retreat highlights the growing role former African heads of state continue to play in back-channel diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts across the continent.
The retreat is expected to provide a platform for policymakers, mediators and peace actors to exchange lessons and experiences from ongoing and past peace processes in Africa.
