Uhuru chairs consultative meeting on DR Congo

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday chaired a consultative meeting with various stakeholders on the cantonment matters in North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mr Kenyatta is the facilitator of the East Africa Community (EAC)-led Nairobi peace process.

The meeting, which had the representation of the EAC member states, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), international organizations, and members of the diplomatic corps, was aimed at assisting the stakeholders in planning, organising and reaching a consensus on how they can work towards achieving the final stage of the process initiated during the Luanda Summit held on November 23, 2022.

The Nairobi and Luanda peace processes aim for an orderly and swift cessation of hostilities, involving the withdrawal of armed groups from their forward positions to designated locations and the systematic and organised cantonment and disarmament of the groups.

Addressing the delegates in Nairobi, the former Head of State 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.

Sustainable peace

The former president further 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 president appreciated the leadership of the East Africa Community 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 retired president 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, demobilisation, repatriation, reintegration, and resettlement (DDRRR) required in the future.

Speaking at the forum, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in DRC and Head of MONUSCO, Ms Bintou Keita, echoed Mr Kenyatta's sentiments that the cantonment should be voluntary where she assured the forum of the United Nations unwavering support in the peace process.

The DRC Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sama Lukonde assured the forum of the government'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.