Mudavadi hails progress in DRC, Sudan peace talks

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi (centre), former President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) and East Africa and Arid Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has commended member states of Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework (PSC) for their efforts in restoring peace, security and stability in the region.

Mudavadi spoke when he represented President William Ruto at the 11th High-Level Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Heads of State and Government in Bujumbura, Burundi on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

The summit aims to assess the security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Sudan, and the surrounding region to facilitate member states' deliberations on the next steps.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the meeting in his role as the facilitator for the peace talks in the DRC.

Mudavadi emphasized the significant strides made in restoring peace, security, and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and the Great Lakes region at large.

He noted that the progress is a crucial step towards achieving a common goal that will ultimately lead to the realization of a regional economic community.

"I urge everyone to contribute their political goodwill, efforts, and support to the successful realization of both the Luanda-Led Peace Process and the EAC-Led Nairobi Process. These initiatives are crucial for restoring peace and stability in Eastern DRC. It is our responsibility to support these processes, as we are the only ones capable of delivering sustainable peace in the region," said Mudavadi.

He stated that Kenya is firmly and fully supportive of the regional member states' initiative to ensure that no lives are lost, and no property is destroyed.

"It is disheartening that despite the progress made in the region, several challenges persist or have intensified, notably, the current deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu where serious escalation of fighting and targeted killings is reported to be taking place," he added.

Mudavadi explored on the recent happenings in Sudan saying it his high time the region shifts focus towards the deteriorating situation in Sudan and help find a lasting solution.

"We call on peace through negotiations, dialogue between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) towards the establishment of an inclusive, democratic transitional civilian led government." said Mudavadi.