Diplomatic Strain: Uhuru Kenyatta Condemns Congolese Opposition’s Military Alliance
Summary:
In a surprising turn of events, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, acting as the Facilitator of the East African Community (EAC) in the Nairobi Peace process, has strongly condemned the contentious political-military alliance declared by Congolese opposition figure Corneille Nangaa. The alliance, announced during a press briefing in Nairobi, has led to diplomatic tensions between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In an unexpected development, the Facilitator of the East African Community (EAC) led Nairobi Peace process, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, expressed shock and dismay at the recent political-military alliance announcement by Corneille Nangaa. This alliance, declared on December 15, 2023, in Nairobi, is viewed by Kenyatta as a direct challenge to the legitimate political status quo in the DRC.
Kenyatta issued a statement on Monday, denouncing the developments initiated by individuals who claimed to be working for greater peace and stability in the DRC. The former president particularly repudiated the military character of the alliance and the accompanying politically charged and provocative rhetoric.
During a press briefing in Nairobi, Mr. Nangaa, currently in exile, declared a political-military alliance with the M23 rebels and other armed groups, aiming to “save the country.” The merger ceremony, which took place in Nairobi, has caused a stir in Kinshasa, leading to the recall of the DRC’s envoy.
Kenyatta reaffirmed his support for the United States-brokered ceasefire, considering it a crucial step toward establishing a conducive environment for the peace-building process. He emphasized the necessity of ending the senseless killing and suffering of the people in the eastern DRC.
The Nairobi peace process, a diplomatic initiative led by the EAC and facilitated by President (Rtd) Kenyatta, has been striving to resolve conflicts and promote stability in the Great Lakes region. Despite the diplomatic row between DRC and Kenya, Kenyatta called for international cooperation and urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
