Two African presidents have given a boost to former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s efforts in finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Uhuru received the funds in his capacity as the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC), Nairobi-led process towards resolving the crisis in Eastern DRC.
The former president received the financial aid package of Ksh305 million from Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and his Senegalese counterpart Macky Sall gave to support the initiative (1 million Euro each).
The funds were remitted during the quadripartite Summit on the coordination and harmonization of peace initiatives in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“EAC welcomes the signing of the Grant Agreement of Ksh281 million (2 million USD) between the AU and the EAC in facilitating the operations of the EAC-Regional Force in Eastern DRC and applauds the Republics of Angola and Senegal for their financial support of 1 million Euro each to the EAC-led Nairobi Process.” Read a statement from the office of the fourth president.
While addressing the summit, Uhuru commended the EAC bloc for its operations geared towards restoring peace and stability in the Eastern DRC.
He also acknowledged support from other political stakeholders in supporting the peace mission in DRC, which he argued had bolstered the conflict resolution.
Before flying to Angola for that summit, Uhuru had met with the chairman and senior political and military leaders of the M-23 group, in an effort to restore peace in Eastern DRC.
The M-23 leaders agreed to continue with an orderly withdrawal and to adhere to a strict cease-fire. They also agreed to cooperate with the East African Regional Force (EARF) to foster peace and unity.
“The leaders of the M-23 urged President Kenyatta to assist in assuring that there is safety in the DRC and that citizen rights are upheld and recognized, and that all the local and foreign armed groups fighting in eastern DRC also lay down their arms, cease any fighting or attacks on the M-23 and seek resolution of the conflict through peaceful means.” East African Community stated.
Uhuru continued his role after President William Ruto seconded him during his inauguration ceremony in September 2022.
