\Nairobi, March 25 (IANS) – In a significant move to advance the peace process in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), African leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have appointed five former presidents to an expanded panel of facilitators. The appointments were announced during a virtual summit attended by regional leaders.
The newly-appointed peace facilitators include former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of the Central African Republic Catherine Samba Panza, and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.
The summit, co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized the urgent need to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, which has led to loss of lives, massive displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
President Ruto, who also serves as the chairman of the EAC, underscored the growing threat posed by the conflict, not only to the DRC but also to the broader stability of the EAC and SADC regions. He reaffirmed the commitment of regional leaders to achieving a lasting resolution.
Ruto further commended Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi for their continued efforts towards conflict resolution, citing their recent face-to-face meeting in Doha, Qatar. He described the meeting as a strong indication of their willingness to engage in dialogue and work towards peace.
During the summit, leaders adopted key reports, including the outcomes of the joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting held on March 17 in Harare, Zimbabwe, as well as the findings of the joint meeting of regional chiefs of defense. Additionally, a roadmap outlining concrete implementation measures for long-term peace and security in eastern DRC was endorsed.
This collaborative approach marks a significant step in fostering stability in the DRC and underscores the commitment of African leaders to resolving regional conflicts through diplomatic engagement and coordinated efforts.
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