Ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta concerned over worsening security situation in DRC

Former President and facilitator of EAC-Nairobi Peace Process in Eastern DRC, Uhuru Kenyatta. [OOPK, Twitter]

Kenya's former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for the cessation of hostilities and adherence to the Luanda and Nairobi Peace processes, amid a deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Uhuru, who is the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-Nairobi peace process in Eastern DRC, expressed concern over the infighting in the region, that has gone on for months.

"Former President Uhuru Kenyatta takes note with deep concern of the sharply deteriorating situation in North Kivu in the DRC where fighting has broken out between various armed groups as well as between the FARDC and the M23," his office tweeted on Wednesday, January 25.

Kenyatta said the fights by armed groups are now targeting civilians, resulting in bigger damage including the internal displacement of people.

The AU-Kenya peace envoy on Friday, January 20, met with a technical advisory team in Mombasa, Kenya, drawn from EAC member states, to deliberate on the DRC situation.

"I want to thank all of you for agreeing to be part of the team, to assist in this endeavour of trying to find lasting peace in one of our neighbouring countries DRC," said Kenyatta.

The fighting has seen two neighboring countries, Rwanda and DRC shift blame.

On Tuesday, Rwanda alleged that a fighter jet from DRC had violated its airspace, prompting its defense force to fire in response.

DRC has often accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC, which seized several towns and villages in offensives last year. Kigali has denied any involvement.