The efforts made by President William Ruto and former president Uhuru Kenyatta to restore peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) received a major boost on Thursday, December 5.
This was after M23 rebels announced surrender and subsequent withdrawal from Rumangabo, a military camp in Rutshuru, North Kivu.
In a statement, the rebels announced that they were keen on promoting peace in the war-torn Eastern region of DRC.
“The M23 remains determined to implement the resolution of a ceasefire and supports the region’s efforts to find peace in the DRC,” the rebels announced in a statement.
This is the second city the rebels are surrendering after withdrawing from Kibumba on December 23, 2022.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta who chairs the East African Community-led Nairobi Peace Process had earlier called the rebels to observe peace and engage in rebuilding the nation.
“Despite the atrocities witnessed in the country, let us embrace a forgiving heart and agree to unite to bring lasting peace to the region,” the former president implored rebels on November 14, 2022.
President William Ruto also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in DRC.
“Without peace, no country or individual can have the space to prosper,” Ruto warned warring factions on November 21, 2022.
The president acting in his capacity as Commander in Chief of Armed Forces deployed Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldiers to DRC in what he described as saving humanity.
“Following discussions with United Nations, international and regional leaders, I have come to the conclusion that it’s necessary, important and urgent to deploy troops in DRC to bring peace,” the president announced on November 2, 2022.
The president also visited KDF troops in DRC on November 21, 2022, where he also had talks with his DRC counterpart Felix Tshisekedi about bringing peace to the country.
