Kenyan forum resolves to advance peace and security in DR Congo

The ninth meeting of the Framework of Guarantors of Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) decided to advance stability in this vast Central African country.

The regional forum held on Wednesday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, and attended by representatives of the PSC’s guarantor institutions, resolved to support diplomatic efforts aimed at ending security challenges in eastern DRC.

“They agreed to continue to promote and fully support the effective implementation of non-military solutions needed to address the root causes of conflict,” the representatives said in a statement released Thursday in Nairobi.

The Nairobi forum aimed to assess the success of multilateral initiatives aimed at reversing the deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC, linked to attacks by armed groups, including the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces. (ADF).

Representatives said military interventions should be backed by a strong mediation process to end conflict and insecurity in eastern DRC.

They pledged to intensify their support to strengthen peace, security and economic development in the eastern part of the DRC, and to avoid negative spillovers to neighboring countries.

Other resolutions endorsed by peacekeepers for eastern DRC included support for high-level political advocacy to promote the sustainable management of natural resources as a prerequisite for lasting stability.

Continued support for youth and women-led conflict resolution initiatives to stabilize eastern DRC and spur inclusive growth was also a highlight of the Nairobi forum. Final article