EAC leaders resolve to address insecurity in Eastern DRC

While speaking during the on-going EAC-Led Nairobi 3rd Peace Process Inter-Congolese dialogue, the former President of Kenya, who is also the facilitator of the peace process in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uhuru Kenyatta, said everything needs to be done to ensure that peace is restored in the region.

“No effort should be spared in restoring peace and security in Eastern DRC. Kwa wana-DRC, Amani itatoka kwenye nyinyi wenyewe! Tuungane! (For the DRC, peace will come from yourselves! Let's unite!),” he said.

The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, while speaking during the dialogue said EAC countries need to address the root cause of insecurity in eastern DRC once and for all.

“We need to address the root cause of insecurity in Eastern DRC once and for all. We welcome EAC’s swift response in seeking to restore peace in Eastern DRC. Rwanda is committed to this process,” he said, adding, “Eastern DRC has the potential to be an economically viable area for all EAC member states.”

The EAC secretary-general, Peter Mutuku Mathuki, reemphasised the need to restore peace in the area saying that a peaceful eastern DRC benefits all member states of the EAC.

While addressing the people, the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, said: "Our security and progress is dependent on that of the region. The pursuit of peace is thus an inevitable precondition for our prosperity. Kenya is committed in supporting the restoration of peace in Eastern DRC.”

The dialogue which commenced today aims at accelerating ongoing regional efforts to attain sustainable peace and security in Eastern DRC as elaborated by various efforts of EAC Heads of State.

The dialogue has also been attended by the EAC Summit Chairperson President William Ruto, the heads of state from Rwanda, Uganda, DRC have attended virtually.

Further in attendance, are observers from the African Union, United Nations, and invited members of the Diplomatic Corps. The Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General to the Great Lakes region, H.E Huang Xia is also physically in attendance.