President Ruto Chairs Virtual Meeting To Facilitate Peace In War Torn DRC.

President William Ruto on 2^nd of April,chaired a virtual meeting of facilitators for the Nairobi-Luanda peace process, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This meeting brought together key leaders and former heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), and Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic).

The Nairobi-Luanda peace process is a collaborative effort to resolve the protracted conflict in the DRC, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless civilians. The conflict, fueled by the activities of armed groups such as the M23 rebels, has created a dire humanitarian crisis. During the meeting, President Ruto emphasized the importance of engaging all parties involved in the conflict, including state and non-state actors, to de-escalate tensions and work towards a sustainable resolution.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the call for an immediate ceasefire between the DRC government and the M23 rebel forces. The facilitators also stressed the need to restore essential utilities and supply lines to ensure humanitarian support for those affected by the conflict. Additionally, the leaders directed army chiefs from the EAC and SADC to develop an implementation plan for the agreed-upon measures.

President Ruto highlighted the critical role of regional cooperation in addressing the crisis. He commended the commitment of DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who recently held discussions to resolve their differences. Ruto also urged the facilitators to continue engaging Rwanda, despite its past reluctance to participate in the peace talks due to tensions with the DRC.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. The conflict has not only resulted in significant loss of life but has also disrupted access to basic necessities such as food and medical supplies. The facilitators emphasized the need for a coordinated response to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.

This virtual meeting marked a significant step forward in the Nairobi-Luanda peace process. By bringing together experienced leaders and leveraging regional partnerships, the initiative aims to create a framework for lasting peace and stability in the DRC. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold the agreed-upon measures and work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution.

President Ruto’s leadership in this process reflects Kenya’s active role in promoting peace and stability in the region. As the chair of the EAC, Ruto has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing regional challenges and fostering cooperation among member states.