Uhuru briefs US, Swiss ambassadors over DRC peace process

By Cyrus Ombati, NAIROBI Kenya

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday met a European Union (EU) delegation for talks on the ongoing quest for peace and stability in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The EU delegation was led by Bernard Quintin, who is the Deputy Managing Director for Africa.

Kenyatta, who is the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)–led Nairobi peace process, also met with U.S Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman as well as her Switzerland counterpart Valentin Zellweger for deliberations.

It was the first such meeting after a long time and since he took over the role last year.

The teams deliberated on the current operational situation, progress made, and their support for the ongoing political process of finding lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC, officials said.

Kenyatta also received a report from his technical advisors following a meeting with the East African Community Monitoring and Verification Mechanism earlier.

The former Head of State recently expressed hope that the ongoing process will bring peace.

Officials said Kenyatta hopes the displaced persons will be able to go back to their homes and farms.

Rebel group M23 are withdrawing from the current areas they are occupying to the designated cantonment area will usher in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (PDDRCS).

Troops from regional countries are in the area to help fight various rebel groups that have been terrorizing locals. The groups include M23.

This comes amid a section of local political leadership opposing the manner in which the troops are handling the crisis.

They want a confrontation with the rebels, which the troops are against and have opted for talks to solve the menace.

The M23, which is waging its most sustained offensive since capturing swathes of territory in 2012-13, has been accused of flouting a ceasefire process and summarily executing civilians.