ACCRA, Ghana — Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Accra ahead of the high-level Tana Forum on Security in Africa, a key platform that brings together African leaders and policy actors to address the continent’s most pressing security and governance challenges.
Kenyatta, who joined the Forum’s Board in 2024, is part of a select group of former heads of state tasked with providing strategic direction to the institution.
His appointment reflects his expanding role in continental diplomacy, particularly under the African Union, where he serves as a peace envoy and mediator.
In recent years, Kenyatta has taken on prominent mediation roles in conflict zones, notably in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Horn of Africa.
His involvement has centred on facilitating dialogue between warring factions and supporting regional peace initiatives aimed at stabilising volatile regions.
Upon arrival in Accra, he was received by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Colonel (Rtd) Shem Ishmailidza Amadi.
The Tana Forum is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading platforms for dialogue on peace and security. It convenes heads of state, policymakers, civil society leaders and experts to develop African-led approaches to conflict resolution, governance and regional stability.
The Forum’s Board, which Kenyatta now serves on, is responsible for shaping the agenda and providing strategic oversight. Its membership reflects a cross-section of experienced African leaders with backgrounds in governance, diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Among them are John Dramani Mahama and Joyce Banda, both of whom bring experience in post-conflict reconstruction and political leadership.
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The Forum is supported by a Technical Committee that advises on the design and content of its annual meetings.
The committee works to ensure discussions remain relevant to emerging security threats, including political instability, transnational conflicts and governance challenges.
Analysts note that platforms such as the Tana Forum have gained increased significance as African states seek to reduce reliance on external actors in resolving conflicts, instead prioritising regional solutions backed by continental institutions.
Kenyatta’s participation underscores Kenya’s continued influence in regional diplomacy and its strategic positioning in peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
