Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, now leading the Nairobi Peace Process, has attributed the recent resurgence of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to a lack of political will and the withdrawal of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF). In a statement released on Thursday, Uhuru outlined how these factors severely undermined efforts to stabilize the region.
The Nairobi Peace Process, launched with the aim of finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, faced significant setbacks in 2023. Uhuru pointed to the political distractions surrounding the DRC’s national elections, held in December 2023, as a key reason for the slowing of peace negotiations. As the country focused on electoral matters, the much-needed attention to resolving the violence in the east diminished.
A major blow came with the withdrawal of Kenyan forces from the EACRF, which had been deployed as part of the peacekeeping efforts. This decision disrupted the momentum of the peace process and severely impacted military cooperation between the forces and local authorities. Consequently, the already fragile security situation deteriorated, and fighting escalated, particularly in areas like Goma, which had previously been under a ceasefire agreement.
The former president emphasized that despite these setbacks, the Nairobi Peace Process remains a critical framework for dialogue and conflict resolution. He stressed that both the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes are vital for a lasting resolution to the crisis in eastern DRC. According to Uhuru, these processes are complementary and must be pursued in tandem, with the involvement of both Rwanda and DRC in bilateral negotiations.
The statement also highlighted the need for renewed political will, regional cooperation, and sustained international support for peace efforts. Uhuru stressed that without these, the security situation in the region could worsen, with devastating consequences for the people of DRC.
In conclusion, Uhuru reiterated his commitment to working with the DRC government, regional partners, and international stakeholders to find a peaceful path forward. He remains confident that the Nairobi and Luanda processes, if closely coordinated, hold the key to ending the conflict and securing lasting peace in eastern DRC.
