Jenga Mkenya Movement Calls for Peace and Dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo

By Wasike Elvis

The Jenga Mkenya Movement, led by Reuben Kigame, has issued a statement urging African leaders and regional bodies to take swift and decisive action to address the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has led to widespread suffering, loss of life, and displacement of civilians. In their statement, the Movement called for dialogue, diplomacy, and African-led solutions to resolve the crisis.

Reuben Kigame, Leader of Jenga Mkenya Movement, expressed deep concern about the situation, urging all parties involved, particularly the government of President Felix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebels, to pursue peace and reconciliation. “While the use of foreign mercenaries may seem like a short-term solution, it risks further exacerbating the conflict and undermining long-term stability. We call on President Tshisekedi to extend an olive branch to the M23 rebels and initiate inclusive talks,” said Kigame in the statement.

The Movement also addressed the Congolese people, urging them to refrain from violence, particularly against foreign embassies, including the Kenyan Embassy in the DRC. “Such actions only deepen divisions and harm the international partnerships needed to support peace efforts,” the statement read, emphasizing the importance of unity and peaceful solutions.

In a direct appeal to Kenyan President William Ruto, the Jenga Mkenya Movement encouraged Kenya to take a proactive stance on the crisis by leveraging African solutions rather than seeking external interventions. They proposed inviting African leaders, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and President Tshisekedi, to Nairobi for high-level talks to facilitate dialogue and foster regional unity.

The Movement also called for the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and other regional organizations to work together on a comprehensive roadmap for peace in the DRC. “We must not fail the Congolese people as we have failed in Sudan. No one else will fix Africa if not Africans themselves,” Kigame emphasized.

In light of recent casualties, including the deaths of South African soldiers at the hands of M23 rebels, Jenga Mkenya also advised the South African government to reconsider its troop deployment in the DRC. The Movement called for an urgent reevaluation of South Africa’s peacekeeping efforts and urged the South African parliament to recall troops if necessary.

The statement also took aim at the exploitation of DRC’s natural resources by foreign companies, which it believes has fueled the ongoing conflict. “We urge African institutions to take bold steps to suspend the operations of foreign mining companies until a lasting peace is achieved,” the Movement said, asserting that the DRC’s wealth should benefit its people, not perpetuate violence.

In their final remarks, Jenga Mkenya reiterated that the DRC holds great potential for Africa’s future due to its wealth in minerals and fertile land. “The well-being of the DRC is crucial for the entire continent. It has the capacity to feed Africa and contribute significantly to regional stability and prosperity,” the statement concluded.

The Movement called on humanitarian organizations to swiftly offer assistance to those displaced by the conflict, underscoring the importance of Africa solving its problems with African solutions.

February 01, 2025