Democratic Republic of the Congo–Kenya relations

DRC – Kenya relations

Democratic Republic of the Congo	Kenya

Democratic Republic of the Congo–Kenya relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade and security.

Kenya maintains an embassy in Kinshasa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Nairobi.

History

President Kabila of the DRC has visited Kenya on multiple occasions. On one of the occasions he met with Former President Kibaki to discuss issues pertaining gold smuggled from mines in Kivu, Eastern DRC. The gold smuggling business has been thought to fund the rebels in DRC. Further investigations revealed that Kenya was at the centre of the multi-billion shilling gold smuggling ring, spanning several countries. ^[1] These revelations haven't dented Kenya's relationship with the DRC.

Both countries are inhabited by significant Swahili speaking populations, Swahili is the national language in both countries. Kenya and the DRC share some cultural similarities.

Peace deal with M23

The peace deal between the Government of the DRC and leaders of the M23 rebellion was brokered by multiple parties and was signed in Nairobi in late 2013. M23 was routed in a UN-backed offensive by government troops. Under the deal there would be no amnesty for those wanted for war crimes. The deal was hosted by Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya.^[2]

Kenya has also been a key partner in stabilising Eastern DRC.^[3]

Joint Commission for Cooperation

By the end of 2014 both countries were to sign a Joint Commission for Cooperation. Under the agreement Kenya was to establish a consulate in Goma and DRC in Mombasa^[3] The deal would help deepen trade and investment between both countries.

The deal would be Kenya's first major trade agreement with a Francophone African country. The trade agreement will offer Kenya preferential access to the Central Africa state, which has a population of 90 million people. ^[4]

Trade and economy

The DRC, is a net importer of Kenyan agricultural and manufactured goods. ^[4]As DRC is largely landlocked it uses the Mombasa Port to ease access to international markets.

References

1. . Kabila, Kibaki meet over smuggled gold. Retrieved on 7 January 2015.
2. . DR Congo government 'signs deal with M23 in Kenya Retrieved on 7 January 2015.
3. . Kenya, DR Congo to open consulates to boost trade Retrieved on 7 January 2015.
4. . Kenya and DR Congo to sign accord by end of 2014 Retrieved on 7 January 2015.