PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete has informed the UN Security Advisor, Lt. General Babacar Gaye, about ongoing efforts by African leaders to restore peace and tranquility in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During discussion held at the State House in Dar es Salaam , President Kikwete said two institutions in the continent have been working diligently to help resolve the DRC conflict.The institutions actively engaged in peace-making efforts for the people of DRC include the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the International Conference on Great Lake Region (ICGLR).

President Kikwete is the chairperson of the SADC Peace and Defence Committee."Among other deliberations by leaders of the SADC member states include formation of a special joint army regiment to be deployed to the DRC to help restore peace in Eastern DRC.Towards end of last year, M23 rebels entered Goma but later announced their readiness to come to the negotiating table to resolve the disagreement.

The visiting Lt. General Gaye informed the president about the vigilance by the UN to work closely with African governments neighbouring the DRC to pursue solution to the DRC crisis.According to official statement issued by the Directorate of Communication in the State House, at the end of discussion with President Kikwete, General Gaye left for Uganda where he is scheduled to meet President Yoweri Museveni who is the chairperson of the International Conference on Great Lake Region (ICGLR).