Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-03-26 07:34:26
On March 25, 2024, an important meeting took place in Kinshasa between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi to address the ongoing crisis in the eastern DRC. Both leaders renewed their efforts to bring peace to the region by calling for the revival of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, which are African regional initiatives aimed at easing tensions in the eastern DRC.
The earlier peace initiatives have been instrumental in trying to find a lasting solution to the conflict in the eastern DRC. The meeting in Kinshasa highlighted the critical role of peace and security in promoting socio-economic development within the East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc that includes countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia.
President Tshisekedi made it clear that the current crisis in the eastern DRC is not a result of the Rwandan people but rather the actions of the Rwandan regime. He expressed a desire for peaceful coexistence between Rwanda and the DRC, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in resolving the conflict.
President Kiir also recently met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss the urgent need for peace and security within the EAC. Both leaders emphasized the crucial role of peace and security in fostering social and economic development within the community and achieving the goals of the EAC treaty.
They called on partner states to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the treaty and urged for the speedy implementation of the political track of the Nairobi process and the Luanda process to prevent the security situation in the eastern DRC from escalating further.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, a claim that has been denied by both parties. President Kiir also visited Burundi to meet with President Evariste Ndayishimiye, where they discussed the need for respecting and implementing agreements to resolve regional conflicts.
The communique issued at the end of the meeting highlighted the importance of fulfilling commitments between sister states like Burundi and Rwanda to enhance regional stability. It also emphasized the need for the implementation of the EAC integration imperatives, including the free movement of people, goods, and services.
In regards to the crisis in the eastern DRC, both leaders reiterated their commitment to the EAC-led Nairobi process and stressed the importance of implementing the Luanda process to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the region.
The renewed efforts and commitments from regional leaders indicate a strong commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the eastern DRC. Cooperation and implementation of peace processes will be crucial in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
