The United States has commended President Uhuru Kenyatta’s efforts to address the instability in the eastern DRC.
In phone call with President Kenyatta, Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the government of Kenya’s efforts to address the continued violence in the DRC and expressed his appreciation for the Nairobi Process.
The initiative has brought together the leadership of the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
“The Secretary noted these heads of state meetings are instrumental for facilitating the de-escalation of regional tensions, and in particular between the DRC and Rwanda,” statement released by spokesperson Ned Price on Thursday said.
Blinken also underscored the importance of free and fair Kenyan elections, which reflect the will of the Kenyan people. Kenya is holding its general election on August 9, 2022.
“He also engaged on other regional issues, including US efforts to support African countries suffering from food insecurity as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the historic drought in the Horn of Africa,” Price said.
Mid-June, President Kenyatta, in his capacity as EAC chairman declared war on rebels in Eastern DRC.
President Kenyatta ordered for the activation of the East African Regional Force under the auspices of the East African Community.
“The Regional Force is a component of the military/security enforcement track also provided for in the Communiqué adopted on 21st April 2022. In this regard, the meeting of the regional Commanders of the respective Defence Forces, cooperating in the Nairobi Process, scheduled for Sunday 19th June 2022, in Nairobi, should finalize preparations to undertake the deployment of the Regional Force,” Kenyatta said in a statement.
The East African Regional Force will be deployed to the Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces to stabilise the zone and enforce peace in support of the DRC security forces and in close coordination with MONUSCO, the UN peace keeping force.
Uhuru declares war on rebels in eastern DRC, activates East African Regional Force
