•Armed groups have stepped up attacks in recent months raising concern about the threat they pose to the region’s security.
•Renewed conflict erupted in North Kivu province earlier this month after the M23 rebel group clashed with DR Congo troops
Image: HANDOUT
The parties involved in finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern DRC will resume talks on Monday.
The EAC-led team on the restoration of peace and security in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday said the dialogue aims at accelerating the ongoing regional efforts to attain sustainable peace and security.
Armed groups have stepped up attacks in recent months raising concern about the threat they pose to the region’s security.
"The meeting will incorporate consultations amongst armed groups in Eastern DRC, local community leaders, civil society and other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of finding sustainable solutions to the protracted security situation," the statement said.
Renewed conflict erupted in North Kivu province earlier this month after the M23 rebel group clashed with DR Congo troops.
Kenyan troops have been deployed to the region as part of a regional force deployed for a peacekeeping mission.
The Kenyan troops are on the peace mission together with their EACRF counterparts from Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Earlier, the Force Commander for the East African Community Regional Force in DRC Major General Jeff Nyagah called on armed groups to cease hostilities against residents.
General Nyagah said the EACRF mandate gives priority to the political process that is currently ongoing.
The inter-Congolese dialogue under the EAC-led peace process has been re-energised to incorporate local DRC community leaders and stakeholders to bring a comprehensive solution to the protracted security situation.
The EAC is set to hold a Peace Summit at the end of the year with a view to strengthening the complementarity roles of the EAC-led peace process and the Luanda Process among other issues.
The chairperson of the Summit of EAC Heads of State and President of the Republic of Burundi Èvariste Ndayashimiye is expected to address the opening session.
Also expected to address the session include the facilitator of the EAC-led Peace Process former President Uhuru Kenyatta and other high-level representatives from EAC, AU and the United Nations.