Kenya has hosted the East Africa Community (EAC) – led Nairobi process on the security situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that is scheduled to run from November 28 to December 3, 2022.
The 3-Inter-Congolese dialog aims to accelerate the regional efforts to achieve sustainable peace and security within Eastern DRC. It includes consultations between armed groups in Eastern DRC as well as local community leaders and civil society.
During the event in Nairobi, the President of Burundi and EAC Chairperson, Mr Evariste Ndayishimiye officially launched the dialogue. He stated that it was the responsibility of EAC to restore security and peace in the Eastern DRC.
“We are cognizant of the high expectations the region and international community has in this process and I am appealing to all partners to commit to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and consolidating stability in the region,” said Ndayishimiye.
He said that the purpose of the dialogue was to emphasize the urgent need for the discussion and that security in Eastern DRC remains a source of great concern for the EAC community.
“We will work together to ensure that there is security and peace in DRC by releasing our troops from our various states to DRC in order protect them and also to enhance security in that particular region, for security and progress in DRC is dependent on that of the EAC region,” said Ndayishimiye.
The chairperson urged all those working to promote peace and security for DRC to give priority for people and encouraged Congolese traditional rulers to ensure peace, as they have support by EAC. He also thanked African Union (AU), and United Nation (UN), for proving that Inter-Congolese dialogue is possible.
Uhuru Kenyatta, an EAC facilitator and former President of Kenya, said that the process has achieved many objectives. These include identifying political processes that create favorable environments for armed movements, consolidating support and active involvement of communities, deepening consults with armed groups, and identifying root causes and solutions to conflicts.
“No efforts should be spared in restoring peace and security in Eastern DRC and so far the dialogue, through deploying its troops to the DRC, has yielded positive results and success of the initiative,” said Uhuru.
He also said that the EAC member countries are working together to realize the objectives. He also encouraged all participants to take part in the process, including those who aren’t yet at the table.
He reiterated Kenya’s support for effective restoration of peace in DRC, EAC states acts on the commitments that have been made and said that he is looking forward to opportunities that enhance and strengthen the bonds to the people of East Africa.
By Irene Mwende & Edna Okoth
Source: kenyanews
