Uhuru calls for dialogue as he meets DRC peace process stakeholders

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged disputing members in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to consider open consultative dialogues in a bid to address the hostility in the region.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday after meeting with various stakeholders on the cantonment matters in North Kivu in the eastern DRC, Uhuru underscored that the cantonment is a sensitive aspect of the peace restoration process that requires transparency, open consultation, and stakeholder dialogue.

"The cantonment aspect presents a sensitive and urgent challenge. We must ensure that all parties are adequately consulted and reach an agreement regarding this crucial stage. It is imperative to address all necessary technical and logistical matters, including establishing open and indirect lines of dialogue and consultation with the armed groups we aim to canton,” he said.

The meeting attended by international organizations and members of the diplomatic corps, was aimed at assisting the stakeholders in planning, organizing, and reaching a consensus on how they can collectively work towards achieving the final stage of the process initiated during the Luanda Summit held on November 23, 2022.

The representation included the EAC member states, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

One of the primary objectives of the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes is an orderly and swift cessation of hostilities, involving the withdrawal of armed groups from their forward positions to designated locations and the systematic and organized cantonment and disarmament of the groups.

In his capacity as the Facilitator of the East Africa Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Peace Process, Uhuru stated that it is paramount that the cantonment stage succeeds if substantial progress in implementing the political and military objectives of sustainable peace and stability in the eastern part of the DRC. 

The former Head of State further appreciated the leadership of the EAC for their unwavering commitment and determination to assist the government of the DRC in pacifying the eastern region of the country.

He further commended the militaries and Chiefs of Defence Forces of the EAC countries for their close cooperation with EAC and the military authorities in the DRC, ensuring the proper and effective deployment of these forces across various sectors.

The Facilitator also called on all stakeholders to work together to complete the cantonment process noting it will set the stage for subsequent activities within the framework of disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration, and resettlement (DDRRR) required in the future.

Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN in DRC and Head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, echoed Uhuru's sentiments that the cantonment should be voluntary and assured the forum of the UN's unwavering support in the peace process. 

DRC Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sama Lukonde, who represented the government, assured the forum of the nation's commitment to the peace process.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the EAC regional force commander (EACRF), Maj-Gen Alphaxard Muthuri Kiugu Angolan Lieutenant-General Nassone João, among others. The EAC Secretary General (SG) was represented by the Military Advisor to the EAC SG, Major Gen. Ally Mzee Katimbe.