The Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has urged the United States and Qatari governments to remain steadfast in supporting the Luanda-Nairobi process in a bid to restore peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Luanda-Nairobi process refers to two conjoined regional peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Luanda Process focuses on dialogue and ceasefire agreements, while the Nairobi Process, which is led by the East African Community (EAC), emphasises political and military solutions involving regional forces.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 9, Mudavadi, who lauded the US and Qatari governments for their continued support in leading peace restoration efforts between the two countries, asserted that by doing so, it will be easier to address the root causes of recurrent instability in the region.
The CS has further encouraged more international partners to join the peace initiative to ensure that the region finds long-term solutions.
"In this regard, Kenya urges the United States of America and the State of Qatar to sustain their support for the consolidated Lianda-Nairobi process, which is vital for securing long-term solutions and stability in the region," Mudavadi stated.
"Kenya urges all parties involved to honour and execute the agreements established through these comprehensive peace initiatives. The African Union has welcomed the peace initiatives as significant milestones towards regional peace and stability," he added.
Since the war began, DR Congo has accused Rwanda of allegedly arming the M23 and sending troops to support the rebels in DRC.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians as the Rwanda-backed rebels seized large tracts of mineral-rich territory in eastern DR Congo.
On Friday, June 27, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries after months of peace talks led by the US.
Mudavadi has asserted that the agreement was the first key step in putting an end to armed groups, fabricating a Joint Security Coordination mechanism, and facilitating the safe return of refugees who were displaced as a result of the conflict.
Mudavadi further acknowledged the pivotal roles of leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in advocating for peace and spearheading mediation between the two parties.
"This agreement reflects a commitment to cease hostilities, uphold territorial integrity, end support for armed groups, and establish a joint security coordination mechanism to oversee implementation," he stated.
According to the Prime CS, putting an end to hostility restoration in DRC will play a key role in refreshing the economic vibrance of the country and Africa at large.
