DRC President Félix Tshisekedi Slams Ruto Over Nairobi Peace Talks

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has criticized President William Ruto for mishandling peace negotiations in Nairobi which former President Uhuru Kenyatta oversees.

These negotiations sought to establish a truce between the DRC government and rebel factions. However, Tshisekedi notes that the talks have stagnated due to mishandling under Ruto's administration. The DRC leader contends that Ruto has shown favouritism towards Rwanda, a country Tshisekedi accuses of supporting rebel groups within DRC borders. While Tshisekedi refrains from detailing specific instances of mismanagement, he has drawn a stark contrast between the current state of affairs and the progress achieved during Kenyatta's tenure.

"There are two processes. There was the Nairobi Process driven by Uhuru Kenyatta which, unfortunately, was subsequently managed by the new president William Ruto. He managed it very badly. The process is almost dead, apart from the fact that the designated facilitator, Uhuru Kenyatta, has stayed on. President Ruto has taken up Rwanda's cause," Tshisekedi says.

The allegations have yet to elicit a formal response from either President Ruto or Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This diplomatic rift has been further exacerbated by recent events involving Congolese opposition figures in Kenya. Tensions escalated when opposition politicians from the DRC held a press conference in Kenya, prompting the Congolese government to request their arrest. Kenya's refusal to comply with this demand added another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship. In response to the situation, Kenyan Foreign Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi issued a statement emphasizing Kenya's commitment to regional stability.

Mudavadi stressed that Kenya does not condone actions that might jeopardize peace and security in the DRC, and assured that the matter was under investigation. Kenya has reiterated its dedication to supporting peace, security, and democratic processes in the DRC, while also maintaining a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of its neighbour.