President Kenyatta told the leaders of the two groups to protect the agreements they have reached because there are malevolent forces who want the violence to continue.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 8 – Warring groups in the Central Africa Republic on Wednesday signed a peace agreement to stop hostilities and open a new chapter of political stability in their country.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto witnessed the signing of two agreements between Anti-Balaka led by Joachim Kokate and Ex-Seleka led by former president Michel Djotodia.
The two agreements, Nairobi Agreement on Ceasefire and Cessation of Hostilities between Ex-Seleka and Anti-Balaka, and the Nairobi Engagement Declaration Adherence to the Transition Roadmap in Central African Republic, were signed at State House, Nairobi.
Speaking after the signing of the Agreements, President Kenyatta urged the stakeholders to adhere to the agreements and avoid being derailed from their objectives by outside forces.
“There will be many who will try to bring divisions amongst you for their personal benefit. Your principal interest should be the wellbeing of the Central Africa Republic citizens” he said.
President Kenyatta pointed out that the signing of the peace agreements was a first step and there are still many issues that have to be tackled for the stability of CAR.
“The spirit of brotherhood which you have developed here in Nairobi should continue even to Bangui forum,” the President added.
President Kenyatta told the leaders of the two groups to protect the agreements they have reached because there are malevolent forces who want the violence to continue.
“Peace is not something that makes everybody happy, there are those who prosper through the misery of others,” said the President.
He assured the delegations that Kenya will continue standing with them even as they strive to join hands to build their nation.
The President said rapid and substantial progress has been made towards a political settlement which will restore CAR into the community of peaceful states.
The leaders of the two rival groups thanked President Kenyatta and the Government of Kenya for the efforts put into bringing peace in CAR.
They said their country has been in political turmoil for the last 20 years pointing out that the commitment by the Kenya leadership will definitely bear positive results.
“We came here for peace and to agree amongst ourselves. The time we have spent in Nairobi has made us learn and understand the efforts made by Kenya in reaching this agreement,” said Djotodia.
President Kenyatta urged Central African leaders to build on the understandings reached in Nairobi and continue using brotherly dialogue to address every issue.
“I thank you for the patience, understanding, restraint and commitment you have shown. These are the hallmarks of mature leadership which can usher in progress and happiness for the people of CAR,” President Kenyatta said.
Deputy President William Ruto commended the warring factions for agreeing to set aside their differences and engage each other on a peaceful process.
He said the signing of the agreements will help the Central Africa Republic people to come up with an all-inclusive, effective democratic, elected Government which will carter for the interests of all citizens.
The latest conflict in Central African Republic broke out in December 2012.
Some 5,600 African Union peacekeepers and about 2,000 French soldiers are deployed in the country.
The mediation process which began last year November is spearheaded by Kenneth Marende and Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki.
The signing of the agreements was witnessed by CAR civil society group leaders led by Mahamat Ali. Others were Mahamat Ibrahim, Alexix Ngoya and El Mackine Mansour.
Also Present were Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohammed, Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich.
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