Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – In a bid to bring peace and stability to the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the presidents of Kenya and Angola have called on the M23 rebels to relocate to a military garrison. The move is aimed at de-escalating tensions and facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and President João Lourenço of Angola issued a joint statement, urging the M23 rebels to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving their grievances. They emphasized the importance of peace in the region and the need for all parties involved to contribute to a lasting solution.
The M23 militia has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the DRC government, leading to widespread violence and displacement of thousands of people in the eastern part of the country. The rebels have been accused of human rights abuses and destabilizing the region.
Calling on the rebels to move to a military garrison, President Kenyatta stated, “By relocating to a designated military garrison, the M23 rebels can demonstrate their commitment to peace and create an environment conducive for dialogue and reconciliation.” He further reiterated the need for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a sustainable peace agreement.
President Lourenço echoed President Kenyatta’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. “The people of the DRC have suffered enough. It is time for the M23 rebels to lay down their arms and work towards a peaceful coexistence with the government. We stand ready to support any efforts towards achieving lasting peace in the region,” he said.
Experts and analysts have welcomed the joint call by Kenya and Angola, viewing it as a positive step towards ending the protracted conflict in the DRC. They believe that the relocation of the rebels to a military garrison will not only enhance security but also provide an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation.
“The move to a military garrison will help to deescalate tensions on the ground and create a conducive environment for negotiations,” said Dr. Sarah Mwangi, a regional security expert. “It is essential for all parties involved to commit to peaceful dialogue and work towards a lasting solution that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict.”
The international community has also expressed support for the call, urging the M23 rebels to seize this opportunity for peace. The United Nations, African Union, and other regional bodies have reiterated their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ending the conflict and promoting stability in the DRC.
As the M23 rebels consider the call to relocate to a military garrison, hopes are high that this move will pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the eastern DRC. The joint call by Kenya and Angola serves as a reminder that dialogue and reconciliation are vital for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region.
