James Swan-Joseph Kabila meeting: an encouraging sign for the peace process, says civil society

The South Kivu civil society coalition for peace welcomed the November 3 meeting between MONUSCO chief James Swan and Joseph Kabila, head of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). Its moderator, Hypocrate Marume, said the meeting could revive dialogue and urged the parties to respect the ceasefire and make peace a priority. He hopes consultations in North Kivu will address the root causes of the crisis and that mediators will step up their engagement. Marume also warned that insecurity, the paralysis of many banking activities, and weak financial flows are worsening hardship for households.