The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is advocating for a broader and more inclusive facilitator panel for the DRC peace process, signaling resistance to Kenya’s earlier proposed list led by President William Ruto. The call for an expanded panel suggests discontent with Kenya’s dominant approach and highlights the need for regional balance and consensus in mediation efforts.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed reservations regarding Kenya’s proposed leadership role in facilitating peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organization has called for a more inclusive panel of peace facilitators, indicating a reticence towards the facilitator list previously circulated by President William Ruto.
During a joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting held in Harare, SADC stopped short of directly criticizing Kenya’s unilateral actions. However, the communique’s suggestion for an “expanded panel of facilitators” reflects discomfort with Kenya’s assertive diplomatic stance regarding the Nairobi-Luanda process.
In February, President Ruto had prematurely unveiled a draft facilitator list that included notable figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. This letter bore both EAC and SADC insignias, despite lacking formal SADC approval, leading to unrest within SADC.
SADC is now advocating for “regional balance” and gender inclusion, proposing former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde as an alternative to Desalegn, who is perceived to have closer ties with Kigali. This indicates a need for consensus, suggesting that Nairobi may need to reassess its position.
The ongoing facilitator debate reveals underlying geopolitical tensions. While Kenya aims to solidify its role in continental diplomacy, SADC emphasizes the necessity for consultative processes and balance. The Harare meeting, intended to unify mediation efforts, has instead underscored how regional rivalries can hinder the overarching objective of finding African solutions to African issues.
In addition to the mediation dynamics, the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, as M23 rebels have reportedly entered another town in eastern Congo, defying ceasefire calls. Amid these pressing issues, Kenyans are also focused on various domestic initiatives, including updates on ID applications and voter registration audits, as the country navigates its political landscape.
The dynamics of peace facilitation in the DRC illustrate the complexities of regional diplomacy, particularly as SADC seeks a more inclusive approach contrary to Kenya’s assertive stance. The insistence on a wider facilitator panel reflects both geopolitical rivalries and the need for consensus in regional mediation efforts. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal for the future of peace initiatives in the DRC and broader East African stability.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
