Kenya Rejects Congo Military Alliance Claims, Launches Probe into Misleading Press Conference

Nairobi, Kenya - In a swift and decisive move, the Kenyan government has distanced itself from any involvement in a recent press conference in Nairobi announcing the formation of a new Congolese military alliance, vowing to investigate the source of misleading claims.

The controversial press conference, held on December 15, 2023, saw Congolese opposition figure and M23 rebel leader Corneille Nangaa announce the formation of the "Congo River Alliance," a purported military alliance comprised of rebel groups aimed at "saving the country." This announcement, however, raised eyebrows in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), given the sensitive nature of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

Responding to the confusion and concerns, Kenyan Foreign Affairs and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi issued a strong statement on Sunday, December 18, declaring, "Kenya strongly disassociates itself from any utterances or activities likely to injure the peace and security of the friendly Nation of DRC."

Mudavadi further underscored Kenya's commitment to regional stability and reiterated its respect for the DRC's territorial integrity. "Kenya remains committed to playing a constructive role in the search for lasting peace and stability in the DRC, through existing regional mechanisms," he stated.

The Kenyan government's swift condemnation of the press conference and its pledge to investigate the source of the misleading claims were met with approval by experts and observers. "This is a positive step by Kenya, demonstrating its commitment to being a responsible regional player and upholding international law," commented Dr. Njeri Maina, a Kenyan security analyst.

The investigation, as announced by Mudavadi, will aim to determine the identities of those who organized the press conference and the extent to which their claims fall outside constitutionally protected speech. This investigation is likely to involve collaboration with Congolese authorities, further solidifying Kenya's commitment to working with the DRC to address the root causes of instability in the region.

The saga surrounding the press conference serves as a reminder of the complex and often volatile political landscape in the DRC and the need for regional actors to collaborate in promoting peace and dialogue. Kenya's swift response and commitment to investigate the misleading claims demonstrate its responsible approach to regional affairs and its willingness to work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.