President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, are pushing for renewed efforts to end the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC. In a meeting on March 25th in Kinshasa between Tshisekedi and Kiir (chair of the East African Community, or EAC), called for the swift revival of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes.
These peace initiatives, launched previously, aim to find a lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. Both leaders emphasized the importance of “harmony and complementarity” between the two processes to achieve effective results.
The meeting highlighted the crucial role of peace and security in fostering socio-economic development within the EAC. President Kiir, in his capacity as acting chair of the EAC, will continue consultations with other regional leaders, including those of Rwanda, Burundi, and Angola.
Addressing calls from some Congolese civil society groups to construct a wall along the border with Rwanda, President Tshisekedi argued against such a costly endeavor. He pointed out the vastness of the DRC’s borders and the greater need to invest resources in development projects.
Tshisekedi emphasized that the current crisis stems from the actions of the Rwandan regime, not the Rwandan people. He expressed a desire for peaceful coexistence between the two nations.
The renewed push for peace talks suggests a regional commitment to resolving the conflict in eastern DRC. The success of these efforts hinges on cooperation among regional leaders and addressing the root causes of the crisis.
