Uhuru lands in Goma for meeting on DRC peace process

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is presently in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to attend the second Executive Consultative Technical team meeting.

Kenyatta, who is the Facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Peace Process, was received in Goma by the country’s Minister of  State for Regional Integration Mbusa Nyamwisi.

Also in attendance at the meeting is DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Jean Pierre Bemba, President Félix Tshisekedi’s Special Representative Prof. Serge Tshibangu Kabeya, as well as Governor of North Kivu Gen Ndima Kongba.

Various stakeholders and international organisations seeking to deliberate on key issues geared towards enhancing both the Luanda and Nairobi peace process are also present.

During a meeting in Nairobi late last month with various stakeholders on the cantonment matters in North Kivu in the eastern DRC, Kenyatta urged disputing members to consider open consultative dialogues in a bid to address the hostility in the region.

He 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,” said the former President on June 30, 2023.