Former President Kenyatta calls for lasting solution to DRC conflict

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Peace Process, has urged the participants at the Third Inter-Congolese dialogue process to work towards finding lasting solutions to the disputes in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking at the ongoing Nairobi (III) consultative dialogue process at Safari Park Hotel on Wednesday, Kenyatta said solutions for the country’s conflicts can only originate from the citizens themselves, assuring them of East African Community's support towards restoration of peace in the nation.

“The EAC has joined hands to help DRC restore peace within the country and find lasting solutions to the over two decades-long conflict in Eastern DRC,” the EAC Facilitator said.

He commended the representatives of the armed groups who have so far agreed to cease fire and pursue dialogue, urging them to forgive each other and live as one united people.

Recalling the period he visited Kinshasa and Goma, where the citizens expressed optimism about the Nairobi (III) process, the former Head of State asked the Congolese to steer the process as the EAC provides a conducive environment for constructive consultations on the future of DRC.

He emphasised that the prosperity of the nation solely depends on their collective responsibility to reconcile and unite.

The EAC facilitator exceeded confidence in the ongoing process which has brought together civil society groups, religious and community leaders from different parts of the DRC including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Goma, Maniema among others.