The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged for a broader facilitator panel for peace processes in the DRC, subtly resisting Kenya’s leading role under President William Ruto. Concerns arose over Kenya’s unilateral draft list of facilitators, prompting SADC to seek regional balance and gender inclusion in the mediation efforts. This discourse reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and the complexity of achieving unified African solutions.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has encouraged a broader and more inclusive approach to peace facilitation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), indicating a subtle resistance to Kenya’s established role led by President William Ruto. This shift follows complaints about Kenya’s unilateral actions in the peace process, which SADC finds concerning.
During a joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare, there were no direct criticisms or named individuals, yet the communique emphasized the need for “an expanded panel of facilitators.” This position hints at discomfort with Kenya’s assertive diplomatic stance, particularly in the merger of the Nairobi-Luanda processes.
Kenya’s issue arose from President Ruto’s early distribution of a list of facilitators, which included notable figures such as former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo. This list bore the EAC and SADC insignias but lacked formal SADC endorsement, creating unease within the Southern region.
SADC is now advocating for regional balance and gender representation, putting forth Sahle-Work Zewde, the former Ethiopian President, as a prospective alternative to Hailemariam Desalegn, deemed overly sympathetic to Kigali. This situation suggests that the initial facilitator list lacks consensus and may require Kenya to revisit its strategy.
The discourse on the facilitators reflects larger geopolitical tensions, as Kenya strives to solidify its diplomatic presence in Africa. In contrast, SADC emphasizes the importance of process, consultation, and equitable representation. The Harare meeting serves to illustrate how regional rivalries can hinder progress toward African-led solutions to Africa’s challenges.
In summary, the Southern African Development Community’s call for a more inclusive peace facilitation panel in the DRC highlights underlying tensions with Kenya’s assertiveness in the diplomatic arena. The lack of formal approval for Kenya’s proposed facilitator list underscores the necessity for consensus and balance in regional mediation efforts. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the need for cooperation among African nations to establish effective solutions remains crucial.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
