By Bida Elly David
President Salva Kiir Mayardit left Juba on Sunday afternoon for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for discussions with President Felix Tshisekedi regarding the tensions between DRC and Rwanda.
Presidential Press Secretary Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel stated that President Kiir’s visit is part of his ongoing regional peace tour, aimed at addressing the strained relations between Rwanda and DRC.
In February, President Kiir visited Rwanda and Burundi, engaging in talks with regional leaders on matters of peace and security.
During his peace tour, which took place in June, President Kiir, as the Chairperson of the East African Community, successfully facilitated dialogue between Rwanda and Burundi, resolving border disputes.
Moreover, President Kiir played a pivotal role in initiating discussions between Uganda and Kenya to address cross-border fuel trade disputes.
“As the Chairperson of the East African Community, President Kiir continues to engage these countries diplomatically to calm tensions along their respective borders,” Lily stated.
Now, it is crucial for President Kiir to engage with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to foster a peace consensus with their main rebel group, the M23 of Congo.
During his visit, the Head of State will emphasize the significance of the Luanda and Nairobi processes in addressing conflicts within the region.
The Nairobi Process focuses on resolving internal conflicts in the DRC, while the Luanda Process aims to address tensions with Rwanda.
Additionally, Lily said President Kiir will visit Angola to meet with President Joao Lourenco and receive an update on the progress of the Luanda process.
The First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and other high-ranking government officials saw President Kiir as he departed for his trip.