Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called upon Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes stakeholders to work together to complete the cantonment process.
He said this will set a phase for the succeeding activities in the framework of disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration, and resettlement (DDRRR).
Uhuru lauded the militaries and Chiefs of Defence Forces of the Eastern African Community member states for their collaboration with the military authorities in the DRC.
He said this has ensured the proper and effective deployment of the forces across the various sectors.
He spoke on Friday when he convened a consultative meeting on the Nairobi Peace Process.
Uhuru is the facilitator of the EAC-led Nairobi Process on the restoration of peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
He noted that the cantonment is a sensitive aspect of the peace restoration process, adding that there is a need for transparency and stakeholder dialogue.
"The cantonment aspect presents a sensitive and urgent challenge. We must ensure that all parties are adequately consulted and reach an agreement regarding this crucial stage," he said.
"It is imperative to address all necessary technical and logistical matters, including establishing open and indirect lines of dialogue and consultation with the armed groups we aim to canton."
He further noted that it was imperative that the cantonment stage succeeded.
This will see that substantial progress in implementing the political and military objectives of sustainable peace and stability in the region is made.
He also lauded the leadership of the EAC for their commitment to the peace and stabilisation initiative of the DRC.
The meeting was at assisting the stakeholders in deliberating on how they can work together towards achieving the final stage of the process initiated during the Luanda Summit held on November 23, 2022.
Among the objectives of the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes is an orderly and swift cessation of hostilities.
This involves the withdrawal of armed groups from their forward positions to designated locations, and the systematic and organized cantonment and disarmament of the groups.
Speaking in the forum, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN in DRC and Head of MONUSCO Bintou Keita, said the cantonment should be voluntary.
She assured the forum of the UN's support in the initiative.
DRC Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sama Lukonde said the government was committed to the peace process.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the EAC regional force commander (EACRF) Maj-Gen Alphaxard Muthuri Kiugu and Angolan Lieutenant-General Nassone João among others.
The EAC SG was represented by the Military Advisor to the EAC SG Major Gen. Ally Mzee Katimbe.
Present were representatives of the EAC member states, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Others included representatives of the international organizations and members of the diplomatic corps.