Details of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s Call to Uhuru on DRC, Rwanda Conflict
On Saturday, Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State for the United States, contacted former President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss the growing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a communication released by the Department of State, it was disclosed that Blinken underscored the significance of the Nairobi Process as a means to facilitate reconciliation with armed groups.
The foremost representative of the United States stated that Uhuru and other leaders in the region were making significant contributions to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in carrying out measures to build confidence.
“The Secretary emphasized the valuable role of regional leaders in assisting the DRC and Rwanda in implementing commitments made in their discussions with Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and other senior U.S. officials,” read part of the statement.
Uhuru has been at the forefront of the peacekeeping initiative, taking charge as the East Africa Facilitator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and serving as Kenya’s peace envoy to the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, collaborating with other leaders.
One aspect of his responsibility involves serving as a mediator between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and local armed factions that are causing distress among the populace.
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Regional leaders, including President William Ruto, have praised the ex-head of State, acknowledging Uhuru’s commendable efforts in restoring peace.
In 2023, Uhuru secured financial support from international entities to support his efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite the funding received, Uhuru acknowledged that a significant obstacle he encountered was the distrust expressed by the various combatant factions.
“The Facilitator appeals to all parties engaged in such acts to immediately cease their armed offensives and hostilities, to allow continued unhindered and sustained humanitarian access, and to give a chance to a return to peace and the pursuit of a non-military solution to the crisis in the region through the EAC Led Nairobi Peace Process,” Uhuru stated in October last year.
For his dedication, Uhuru received the National Order of the Republic of Burundi, the highest honor bestowed in the country.
The United States has been actively advocating for the cessation of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In 2022, the US Department of State urged the M23 armed group to halt hostilities.
Details of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s Call to Uhuru on DRC, Rwanda Conflict