The SADC has expressed reservations about Kenya’s leadership role in DRC mediation, advocating for a more inclusive panel of facilitators. This response follows President Ruto’s earlier attempts to impose a unilateral facilitator list, which did not receive SADC approval. The push for a balanced and gender-inclusive approach signifies broader regional diplomatic challenges.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed a desire for a more inclusive approach regarding peace facilitation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), signaling resistance to Kenya’s President William Ruto’s previously circulated facilitator list. The SADC’s call for a broader panel indicates concerns over Kenya’s unilateral actions and perceived dominance in the ongoing mediation process, particularly in relation to the Nairobi-Luanda merger.
During a recent joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare, while there were no direct criticisms of Kenya, the call for an “expanded panel of facilitators” suggests unease with Kenya’s assertive diplomatic stance. In February, President Ruto shared a draft facilitator list featuring notable figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, which carried both EAC and SADC insignias without receiving formal SADC approval, raising concerns within the organization.
SADC is now pushing for a more balanced representation, advocating for gender inclusion and suggesting former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde as a replacement for Hailemariam Desalegn, who is perceived as too aligned with Rwanda. This development underscores the lack of consensus regarding the mediator selection and indicates that Nairobi may need to adjust its diplomatic strategy.
The ongoing debate about mediation facilitation not only reflects regional diplomatic tensions but also highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics at play. While Kenya aims to strengthen its diplomatic influence in the region, SADC emphasizes the necessity of process, consultation, and regional equilibrium. The Harare meeting aimed to unify mediation efforts; however, it has instead underscored the complexities inherent in achieving African-led solutions amidst regional rivalries.
In summary, the Southern African Development Community’s call for a more inclusive panel of peace facilitators in the DRC underscores a notable pushback against Kenya’s unilateral diplomatic initiatives. The need for regional balance and consensus is apparent, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. As SADC seeks to establish a collaborative approach to mediation, it is clear that Kenya may need to reconsider its strategies to align with regional expectations.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
