Uhuru admits challenges in his DRC peace process

Lack of trust between the various fighting groups has been cited as a major impediment to the realization of peace and stability in the Eastern part of DR Congo.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, the EAC peace Facilitator in the process, raised concern that the situation remains of grave concern, particularly on the humanitarian and security aspects.

“The issue of trust remains fundamental to resolving the challenge of security in the eastern DRC. Therefore, it was clear that the Nairobi Process would have to intensify its confidence-building actions,” said Uhuru.

He spoke when he met the United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, to discuss the security crisis in the Central African country.

The consultative meeting was in preparation for his briefing to the UN Security Council meeting in New York next week as well as the Regional oversight mechanism of the AU Peace and Security Council framework set for Burundi on May 6.

According to Uhuru, confidence-building would be one of his main agendas in the next few weeks ahead of the Nairobi IV Process.

He also emphasized the need for support not only the political track of the Process but also the military track and to reinforce a neutral force to buttress the political efforts.

“The East African Regional Force (EAC-RF) must continue to enjoy the confidence of all parties if it is to be successful in its mandate. The role of the Regional Force as an inter-positional army would need to be re-emphasized and accepted by all parties," Uhuru said in a statement.

The Facilitator has taken note of the humanitarian condition of the population remains of dire concern and requires greater attention and support from the international community.

Furthermore, the situation of the refugees and the internally displaced people concerning their security, relocation, resettlement, and rebuilding of their lives and livelihoods remains a vital concern of the Facilitator.

The meeting comes in the wake of a foiled attack on communities at Kibumba in the region by the EAC regional force on April 12.

The armed militants are said to have fired several rounds in the area prompting the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to respond, successfully repulsing them.

The EACRF is also currently deployed as Kenyan Contingent in Kibati-Kibumba and Rumaghabo.

The Burundi Contingent is at Sake-Mshaki-Karuba and Kilolirwe and is projected to deploy to Kitchanga.

Uganda Contingent is deployed at Bunagana and is projected to deploy in Kiwanja by April 15.

It also happens at a time Uhuru has planned the Nairobi IV meeting to be held in Eastern DRC as a follow-up of the Nairobi III in Kenya.