a first inter-Congolese dialogue was able to be established in Nairobi

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a first inter Congolese dialogue was able to be established in

The first stage of the inter-Congolese talks in Nairobi ended on Wednesday 27 April. About 30 armed groups eventually participated. They each took the floor to explain to the Congolese government delegation their motivations and expectations. A new consultation session must be organized within two weeks, according to the Congolese presidency, before a new conclave of EAC states (East African states), scheduled for the end of May. Back to this step.

With our correspondent in Nairobi, Florence Morice

There were no negotiations to speak of during the this first phase in Nairobi, which will have mainly served to collect the expectations of the participants. The list of participating armed groups has grown over the days.

After setbacks logistics », the representatives of the FRPI (Patriotic Resistance Force of Ituri) finally arrived on Monday 25 April. They joined, among others, the coalition coordinator Raia Mutomboki, several Nyatura factions, some of which had already surrendered. The much-feared NDC-Rénové de Guidon, a warlord under UN sanctions, also sent representatives.

There were, however, some notable absentees in weight. The leader of the Mai-Mai Yakutumba group, active in South Kivu, declined the authorities’ invitation. Codeco, which continues to operate in Ituri, was approached but did not finally reach Nairobi. the M23-Makengarecently reappeared in North Kivu, was excluded from discussions last Saturday.

” The process has only just begun and remains open to anyone who was not there, whatever the reasons. “, assures the deputy spokesman of the presidency, Giscard Kusema. Wednesday evening, at the end of the meeting, the Kenyan and Congolese presidents addressed the participants by video message. Felix Tshisekedi, urged participants to renounce arms and have confidence in the new DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) program created last year, which gives hope but whose funding remains incomplete and uncertain.



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