Concerns over a broader regional war have grown, with troops from Uganda and Burundi also present in the area. Private talks were held last week, ahead of the planned April 9 discussions, and were seen as constructive. As a goodwill gesture, M23 was withdrawn from the mineral-rich town of Walikale.

Although M23 had promised to leave Walikale last month, they initially failed to do so, accusing the Congolese army of not upholding its own commitments. However, local officials and the army later confirmed M23’sthe town departure from.

The conflict has drawn international attention, with the United Nations and Western governments accusing Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda denies, stating it is acting in self-defense against Congo’s army and a militia linked to the 1994 genocide.

M23 has controlled large parts of eastern Congo’s North and South Kivu provinces since 2021, including the capitals of Goma and Bukavu. The Qatari-mediated talks aim to find a peaceful resolution. M23’s withdrawal from Walikale marks a hopeful development, though the situation remains fragile, with the army and rebels still in conflict over strategic areas like Walikale, which holds valuable mineral resources.

Speaking on the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenyatta emphasized that African nations must no longer rely on external aid to address their challenges. He pointed out that while foreign assistance has played a role in helping the continent, it is no longer sustainable for Africa to be dependent on international donors. “Nobody is going to continue holding out a hand to us,” Kenyatta remarked, stressing the need for self-reliance and sustainable funding models for the continent’s development, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Kenyatta’s comments resonate in the wake of President Trump’s decision to freeze funding for key global health programs, which has left many nations scrambling to secure alternative sources of support. The former president urged African leaders to step up and take responsibility for funding healthcare systems and other crucial sectors, rather than waiting for foreign aid to fill the gap.

In his remarks, Kenyatta also touched on the conflict in the DRC, which has left millions displaced and caused significant humanitarian crises. He warned that continued instability in the region would have far-reaching consequences for both African countries and the wider global community. The situation in the DRC, he noted, highlights the urgency of internal conflict resolution and the importance of regional cooperation in addressing such crises.

While acknowledging the international community’s role in peacekeeping efforts, Kenyatta emphasized that African governments should take a more proactive approach to solving the continent’s conflicts. This includes mobilizing African resources, both financial and human, to ensure long-term peace and stability.

Kenyatta’s message to African leaders was clear: the time for relying on foreign aid is over. The former president argued that it is crucial for African nations to utilize their own resources to address pressing issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and conflict resolution. He suggested that Africa’s growing economic potential, if managed effectively, could be channeled into long-term solutions for the continent’s challenges.

The current global financial landscape, with the shift in U.S. foreign policy, presents an opportunity for Africa to reevaluate its development strategies. According to Kenyatta, this moment should be used to rethink financial priorities and diversify sources of income. “Africa has what it takes,” he stated, calling on leaders to stop waiting for external handouts and instead focus on empowering local economies.

While Kenyatta’s message may have been seen as controversial by some, it underscores an urgent need for African unity and self-determination in the face of a changing global landscape. With challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions threatening the continent, it is clear that a more cohesive and self-sustaining approach is essential for Africa’s future.

In the context of healthcare, the former president’s comments reflect a growing call for greater investment in domestic healthcare systems, including the establishment of local pharmaceutical industries, improved medical training, and expanded access to health services. Only through such investments can African countries reduce their dependence on external aid, especially when such funding is increasingly uncertain.

Conclusion

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has set a powerful tone in his recent speech at the regional health summit, urging African leaders to embrace self-sufficiency in response to the cuts in U.S. foreign aid. His call for more efficient use of Africa’s own resources, particularly in healthcare, speaks to a larger vision of a stronger, more independent Africa. It’s time for the continent to look inward, foster regional cooperation, and take ownership of its destiny no longer waiting for external assistance, but instead empowering itself to tackle the challenges of the future.