DRC: general satisfaction at the conclusion of peace talks in Nairobi

DRC armed groups sign the final communiqué of the third peace talks in Nairobi, December 6, 2022. © YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

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DRC peace talks in Nairobi conclude in Kenya.

For a week, more than 200 representatives of armed groups and civil society were around the table to try to see how to bring peace to the east of the country.

A final communiqué, read this Tuesday morning by Serge Tshibangu, the Congolese president's representative for the Nairobi process, came out.

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With our correspondent in Nairobi,

The armed groups sign the communiqué one after the other.

General satisfaction displayed, but everyone is waiting to see what will happen on the ground.

The statement refers to several requests that have been made by armed groups to lay down their arms, including the release of their prisoners.

A committee must be formed to study the requests one by one, which could lead to the release of certain detainees.

Other remarks will be brought to the attention of the Congolese Head of State, such as the lack of confidence in certain organizers of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Program or even the request of certain militiamen to be able to integrate the Congolese army.

New meetings planned for January in eastern DRC

Finally, in his reading, Serge Tshibangu cited two requests from the EAC (East African Community) facilitator for the DRC, Uhuru Kenyatta.

First, that rebel militias cease hostilities, allow humanitarian access and release child soldiers.

Second, that foreign armed groups disarm and return to their country of origin.

Several participants consider themselves satisfied with the commitments made in this Nairobi roadmap, but are now asking to see their implementation.

Some rebel groups, however, point out that they will not lay down their arms as long as foreign armed groups continue to operate.

Future meetings are already planned in Goma, Bukavu and Punia in January 2023 to assess the progress of this roadmap and plan actions.

►Also read: In the DRC, in Nairobi, the main recommendations of the peace talks

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