The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged for a broader, inclusive panel of peace facilitators in response to Kenya’s proposed list led by President William Ruto, which has sparked subtle resistance. The push for regional balance and inclusion highlights Kenya’s need to adapt its diplomatic approach to foster consensus amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed a desire for a more inclusive panel of peace facilitators in the ongoing mediation efforts concerning the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This stance represents a subtle form of resistance to the initial list proposed by Kenyan President William Ruto. Rather than openly criticizing Kenya’s unilateral decisions, SADC emphasized the need for an expanded panel of acceptable facilitators, which reveals discomfort with Nairobi’s assertive diplomatic moves in directing the Nairobi-Luanda process merger.
Earlier in February, President Ruto presented a draft facilitator list that included former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. This list bore the insignias of both the East African Community (EAC) and SADC, leading to unease within the Southern bloc due to the lack of formal approval from SADC. At this juncture, SADC is advocating for a focus on regional balance and gender representation, with Kinshasa suggesting former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde as a replacement for Desalegn, who is perceived as overly aligned with Kigali.
This situation suggests a lack of consensus on the facilitator list, indicating that Kenya may need to adjust its diplomatic strategy. The ongoing debate regarding facilitators reflects deeper geopolitical dynamics, as Kenya aspires to solidify its role in continental diplomacy, contrasting with SADC’s insistence on prioritizing process, inclusive consultations, and equal representation. The objectives of the Harare meeting, which aimed to unify mediation tracks, have instead underscored how regional rivalries can hinder the establishment of African solutions to African challenges.
The SADC’s push for a more inclusive and balanced facilitation process marks a significant moment in the peace efforts for eastern DRC. Kenya’s previous unilateral actions have prompted desires for consensus and inclusivity from regional partners. As diplomatic tensions unspool amidst aspirations for continental leadership, the negotiation dynamics will likely reshape the context around African-mediated resolutions. The need for cooperation among regional players remains crucial for achieving stability in the DRC.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
