Former President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed concerns after a new wave of fights broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued by the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya on Wednesday, January 25, Uhuru lamented that the fighting had broken out between various armed groups, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebels.
According to the former Head of State, the renewed fighting had left thousands displaced and others dead. Uhuru disclosed that the armed groups targeted civilians who had agreed to embrace peace.
Uhuru called for an immediate ceasefire to avert the crisis and asked the parties to adhere to the treaties agreed upon during meetings held in the country.
"Once again the Facilitator calls for cessation of all hostilities and adherence to the Luanda Agreements and a return to the Nairobi Peace Process on consultations to build peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo," the office of the fourth president stated.
"Facilitator of the EAC peace process in Eastern DRC has expressed serious concern for the targeted killings of civilians by armed groups and thousands of internally displaced people resulting from two days of fighting in the region and urges the DRC government and the international community to step up their support to the IDPs," he insisted.
The fighting broke out hours after Rwanda shot down the DRC fighter jet for violating its airspace.
"A Sukhoi-25 from DR Congo violated Rwanda airspace for the third time over Rubavu district, near Goma," Rwandan Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo stated.
"Defensive measures were taken," she added.
Renewed war broke out just 12 days after Uhuru hosted M23 rebel leaders in Mombasa. The closed-door meeting was centred on settling disputes in North Kivu.
After the meeting, M23 rebels assured Uhuru of their commitment to withdraw their forces from disputed areas and allow orderly settlement of displaced people.
The rebel group further appealed to Uhuru to ensure safety in the DRC and that civil rights are upheld and recognised during the mission.
"The meeting, which took place in Mombasa, is in line with the ongoing EAC-led Nairobi peace dialogue between various Congolese armed groups and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, geared towards restoring peace and security in Eastern DRC," the statement read in part.
Renewed fighting after the last crucial meeting in Mombasa, is likely to give Uhuru a new headache and extend his role in finding peace in DRC.
