Kenya is optimistic that the ongoing dialogue to resolve the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on the verge of success.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said parties involved exhibited enthusiasm after three days of talks in Nairobi that a consensus would be reached.
The Inter-Congolese dialogue between the DRC government and six armed groups based in and outside the country entered the third day on Saturday.
"Logistical and organizational challenges delayed the initial schedule of talks. However, once the delegates congregated and started deliberations, they exhibited steadfast zeal, verve and dynamism," the ministry said.
The talks followed two private meetings of Heads of State on the Peace and Security Situation in the DRC under the chairmanship of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The First and Second Heads of State Conclaves were held at State House Nairobi on April 8 and 21.
The conclave comprises President Kenyatta and his DRC counterpart Felix Tshisekedi, Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda) and Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi).
Ambassador Macharia Kamau, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, attended Saturday's meeting.
Macharia called for revived commitment for exhaustive discussions to chart a path towards durable peace in the troubled DRC.
Eastern DRC has experienced perennial insecurity with six armed groups; Gumino, Raia Mutomboki, FPDC, Twiraneho, UPSP and the three factions of the M23 at the centre of the conflict.
Representatives of the various armed groups attending the dialogue in Nairobi expressed their readiness to lay down arms if a situation that returns the DRC to tranquillity is reached.
President Felix Tshisekedi's Special Envoy expressed willingness to engage all players to expedite the resolution of the conflict.
The Foreign Affairs ministry said the goodwill will be boosted further with the arrival of nine more groups in Nairobi on Monday to be part of the peace talks.
"It is in this spirit that the Government of Kenya and both regional and international partners; continue to encourage the Parties to pursue peace and stability in eastern DRC and for the benefit of its citizens and the East Africa community as a whole," the ministry said.
