The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo will hold a meeting in January 2023 in Goma and Bunia with representatives of armed groups in a bid to address the current security situation.
This was announced at the Third Inter-Congolese Dialogue held under the EAC-led Nairobi Process, on the restoration of peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which was convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28th November to 6th December 2022.
H.E President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta, the Facilitator of the EAC-led Nairobi Process, held consultative meetings with the armed groups, civil society groups, and victims of sexual violence.
After these deliberations and following consultations with the government of DRC, it was agreed that a committee comprising representatives of the affected communities, EAC, and the DRC government be constituted, to facilitate the release of prisoners with no criminal records of atrocities and/or criminal convictions.
Regarding the communities residing in or around national parks, H.E. President Tshisekedi accepted to facilitate and engage them in eco-friendly projects and keep them at the heart of conservation efforts.
Under the auspices of President Tshisekedi, a meeting would be held between government officials and local communities from Maniema district, to discuss how the community can be involved in, and benefit from the mining industry in the region.
Demobilization, Disarmament, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) will be reviewed and the recommendation by the armed groups for its leadership to be incorporated.
Discussions will be held on this matter between government officials of the DRC and the affected communities. President Tshisekedi committed to making a public statement to that effect. The meeting agreed to a fully funded P-DDRCS to ensure a successful outcome of the EAC-Led Nairobi Process.
President Tshisekedi will hold consultations with all the groups of the one hundred and forty-five (145) territories to offer opportunities to the people of eastern DRC.
The meeting further agreed to appeal to the International Community to support the government of DRC in the implementation of the roadmap arising out of the EAC-led Nairobi Process, including support to P-DDRCS.
It was also agreed that the cessation of hostilities continues as well as the release of child soldiers and access to humanitarian aid.
“On the basis of the above issues, a meeting is to be held in January (2023) in Goma and Bunia, to assess the progress on these agreements and to begin engagements on the medium- and long-term peace agenda,” reads a joint communiqué dated December 6, 2022.
French Government commits to supporting EAC-Led process in DRC
The French Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Nabil Hahjlaoui, pledged his country’s commitment to supporting EAC-led Nairobi Process.
H.E. Hahjlaoui made the disclosure when he met with the Secretary General of the EAC, Hon. (Dr.) Peter Mathuki, who paid a courtesy call on him at his residence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Amb. Hahjlaoui reiterated his country’s commitment to use its experience and help in any way necessary to bring peace back to Eastern DRC.
“It is high time now that all stakeholders involved in the peace-making process in Eastern DRC look at the big picture and put the interest of DRC people first rather than their own,” said the French Ambassador.
He acknowledged the efforts of EAC Partner States in restoring security in DRC as huge and cannot be questioned; therefore, he said his country was prepared to provide support towards a peaceful resolution of the war in Eastern DRC.
“We are ready to join hands with EAC Partner States in finding solutions to ongoing conflicts in Eastern DRC,” said Amb. Hahlauoui.