Uhuru arrives in the DR Congo for peace talks as demos rock Kenya
East African Community (EAC) peace facilitator and former President Uhuru Kenyatta is in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for the second meeting of the Executive Consultative Technical Team at the Serena Hotel.
Upon arrival in the DR Congo, Mr Kenyatta was received by the Minister of State for Regional Integration Mr Mbusa Nyamwisi.
He attended the second Executive Consultative Technical team meeting which was attended by DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Jean Pierre Bemba, Prof Serge Tshibangu Kabeya, Special Representative of the President of the DRC Félix Tshisekedi, Governor of North Kivu – Gen Ndima Kongba and members of the diplomatic Corps among various stakeholders.
Mr Kenyatta’s visit follows the reception in Nairobi earlier this month of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC and Head of the UN Organisation MONUSCO, Ms Bintou Keita, and the Head of Political Affairs, Mr François Grignon.
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They discussed the outcome of the facilitator’s consultative meeting held in June at the Ole Sereni Hotel on cantonment issues in North Kivu.
They also reflected on the progress made so far and the steps needed to achieve lasting peace and stability in the eastern part of the DRC.
During a consultative meeting with various stakeholders on the cantonment issues in North Kivu, Mr Kenyatta reiterated the need for both the government and the M23 rebel group to lay down their arms to allow for peace talks.
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“I really hope that by having you representing your different organizations, different countries each with a role to play in assisting the Democratic Republic of Congo to achieve the match needed peace,” Mr Kenyatta said.
His visit also comes as Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition continues with their defiant protest across the country over the high cost of living in the country.
Azimio leader Mr Rala Odinga has said that they will not call off the protests until President William Ruto suspends the Finance Act 2023.
Mr Kenyatta, who endorsed Mr Odinga’s failed bid for the presidency during last year’s General Election, has been repeatedly blamed by the Kenya Kwanza side for allegedly bankrolling the protests.
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