Uhuru says optimistic Of peace restoration in Eastern DRC

BUJUMBURA, Burundi

Retired Kenya president, Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed hope that the ongoing process will ultimately bring peace to the region and that the displaced persons are able to go back to their homes and farms.

Kenyatta is the Facilitator of the EAC - led Nairobi Peace Process in the Restoration of Peace and Stability in the Eastern DRC. 

Speaking on Monday to members of the press after he paid a courtesy call to Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye at the State House in Bujumbura, Kenyatta stated the importance of peace in the region, pointing out that for people to engage in trade with each other, peace must prevail.

"This is the only way to bring development and prosperity to the entire region, but that is not possible without peace,” Kenyatta emphasised.

Kenyatta and Ndayishimiye discussed and deliberated on various issues, concerning the region and the outcomes of the 11th Summit of the Regional Oversight and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, held on May 6 in Burundi.

The two leaders also discussed the possibility of an upcoming East African Summit geared towards the process of restoration of peace in the DRC.

"We were looking at the possibility of an upcoming East African Summit to further deliberate on the issues discussed yesterday all towards restoring Peace in the DRC, especially the eastern part", the former president said.

Kenyatta was in Burundi for a two-day visit where he attended the 11th Summit of the Regional Oversight and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region.

He also presented his report to Heads of State on the progress and recommendations for the next important steps of the Nairobi-led peace process during a closed-door session.