Title: Regional development in the DRC: Uhuru Kenyatta, peace facilitator, visits Goma
Introduction :
As part of efforts to resolve the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uhuru Kenyatta, the East African Community (EAC)-designated facilitator, will travel to Goma on Wednesday July 12. The purpose of this visit is to discuss the security situation in the region and preparations for the cantonment of the M23 rebels. The meeting provides for the participation of the Deputy Prime Minister of Defense, Jean-Pierre Bemba, as well as diplomatic delegations.
The peace negotiation process:
The resolution of the crisis in eastern DRC requires a peaceful and political approach, according to the recommendations of several regional and international actors. During his visit to Kinshasa last week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of negotiation. Similarly, the European Union has recently declared that political dialogue must be privileged over military confrontation, in order to end the conflict and reduce the suffering of populations.
The quartering of M23 fighters:
One of the main topics of discussion at the Goma meeting is the cantonment of M23 fighters. A site has been selected at Rumangabo, 50 km north of Goma, where a military base is established. However, the rebellion recently claimed not to be involved in this process.
The M23 is calling for a direct dialogue with Kinshasa, which shows a new willingness on the part of the Congolese authorities to pursue a negotiation approach to find a peaceful solution to the regional crisis.
Conclusion :
Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit to Goma marks an important step in efforts to resolve the crisis in eastern DRC. By favoring negotiation and political dialogue, the Congolese authorities are seeking to find a lasting and peaceful solution