DRC stability will ensure prosperity in EA region – Uhuru

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that there is need to ensure peace is restored in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He said the presence of peace in the East African region is among the things that will ensure that people can engage in trade with each other. 

"This is the only way to bring development and prosperity to the entire region, but that is not possible without peace," he said. 

He spoke on Sunday when he met with the President of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye at State House in Bujumbura.

The two leaders discussed and deliberated on various issues concerning the region.

They also discussed the possibility of an upcoming East African Summit geared towards the process of restoration of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"We were looking at the possibility of an upcoming East African Summit to further deliberate on the issues discussed yesterday (Saturday), all towards restoring Peace in the DRC especially the eastern part," Uhuru said. 

Uhuru travelled to Burundi on Saturday to attend the 11th Summit of the Regional Oversight and Cooperation Framework for the DRC.

He is the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC) - led Nairobi Peace Process. 

He expressed hope that the process will ultimately bring peace to the people of the eastern part of DRC and that the displaced persons are able to go back to their homes.

President William Ruto, who had travelled to UK for the Coronation of King Charles III was represented by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

During the assembly, Uhuru attended a closed session where he presented a report to the Heads of States and government officials on the progress of the peace process towards achieving peace and stability in eastern DRC. 

Uhuru also gave recommendations on the same. 

Heads of State from African countries, government officials and representatives of guarantor institutions who attended the Summit urged armed groups in eastern DRC, Sudan and other parts of the region to unconditionally cease hostility.