Kenya Govt Speaks Out Amidst Reports of DRC Rebel Alliance Launch in Nairobi
On Sunday, Musalia Mudavadi, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, asserted that his ministry was not implicated in the formation of an alliance among rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which was announced in Nairobi.
In an official statement, the CS emphasized that Kenya did not participate in the meeting, and President William Ruto’s government did not support or organize the press conference that disseminated the reports.
“Kenya strongly disassociates itself from any utterances or activities likely to injure the peace and security of the friendly Nation of DRC and has commenced investigation to determine the identities of the makers of the statement and the extent to which their utterances fall outside constitutionally protected speech,” read the statement in part.
“Kenya further affirms its non-involvement in the internal affairs of DRC and commits to continue supporting the peace, security, and democratic consolidation of the country.”
Days after the launch of a new Congolese military alliance, including rebels, in Nairobi, the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recalled its ambassadors from Kenya and Tanzania.
The announcement of the withdrawal of ambassadors was made by Alain Tshibanda, spokesperson for Congo’s Foreign Ministry, on Saturday, December 17, 2023.
Simultaneously, Isaac Mwaura, the Government Spokesperson for Kenya, initially scheduled a press conference for Sunday to address the diplomatic tensions. However, Mwaura later canceled the briefing amid concerns of overlapping responsibilities with the Foreign Ministry.
Preceding this development, the Congolese government had summoned the Kenyan Ambassador to Congo just hours before their decision to recall ambassadors.
During the launch of the Congo River Alliance in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, Corneille Nangaa, the chief of the Congolese election commission, expressed his anticipation of finding a lasting solution for Congo.
On another note, Bintou Keita, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo, has voiced concerns regarding the establishment of the new military alliance.
This development occurs concurrently with Kenya’s withdrawal of its troops from the region through the East African Community Regional Force (EACR) task force.
The initial group of 100 soldiers left on December 3, 2023. The last batch of soldiers left on December 8, 2023, as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) declined to renew the mandate.
It’s worth noting that Congo is scheduled to hold a presidential election on December 20, 2023.
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Kenya Govt Speaks Out Amidst Reports of DRC Rebel Alliance Launch in Nairobi
