Former leaders from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria, including Hailemariam Desalegn, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Olusegun Obasanjo, have been designated facilitators for a new peace process in the DRC amid rising violence from the M23 rebel group. The ICC prosecutor is also investigating these developments. Regional organizations EAC and SADC are uniting efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, as recent reports indicate thousands have died in the conflict since January.
On February 26, 2025, it was announced that former leaders from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria have been appointed as facilitators for a new peace initiative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya, and Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, will lead this effort amid escalating violence in the region. Additionally, an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor is currently investigating the recent uptick in conflict.
The M23 rebel group has made significant advancements, having captured two prominent cities in eastern DRC. This activity marks a concerning escalation since the group resumed its operations in late 2021, amplifying a three-decade stretch of instability that has resulted in millions of deaths in this mineral-rich area. Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor, conveyed deep concern regarding the current situation in eastern Congo, indicating the distinct severity of the crisis.
In response to the violence, two regional bodies, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have pledged to collaborate on establishing a ceasefire. Their statement revealed that the merging of two prior peace efforts, one based in Luanda and another in Nairobi, comes as a direct response to the current conflict. The leaders have identified immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid as critical priorities.
DRC’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka reported on Monday that more than 7,000 individuals have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict since January. These figures, however, remain unverified through independent sources. A ministerial meeting will be convened on Friday to discuss the specifics of the ceasefire and further address the escalating situation.
The appointment of ex-Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria leaders as facilitators for the DRC peace process reflects a strategic regional effort to address a worsening conflict. The recent seizure of cities by the M23 group exacerbates three decades of unrest, leading to significant loss of life. Collaborative efforts from the EAC and SADC aim to establish an immediate ceasefire and organize humanitarian aid, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution in the region.
Original Source: www.ena.et
