UN’s Guterres welcomes efforts by Kenyatta, East African community to promote peace in the DRC

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General(SG) , Antonio Guterres, has welcomed the efforts of Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and the East African community to promote peace, stability and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Leaders of Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda met in a conclave late last week, pledging to back Kinshasa’s bid to bring stability within its borders.

They resolved to create a two-track approach: establish a joint force to combat armed groups in addition to resolving to invite regional leaders, the African Union and the UN to support the initiative.

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Guterres says he commends the leaders of the region for their determination in working towards these objectives.

The SG says he notes the two-track approach decided by the Heads of State Conclave and emphasized the need for effective coordination between the regional force and the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, which is essential to ensure the protection of civilians.

Guterres urged local armed groups in the DRC to participate unconditionally in the political process and all foreign armed groups, particularly in the country’s volatile East, to disarm and return unconditionally and immediately to their respective countries of origin.

He emphasized the need for frank and open dialogue among all stakeholders with a view to resolving tensions and strengthening trust and confidence.

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