The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged for a broader mediator panel for the DRC peace process, countering Kenya’s previously circulated list led by President Ruto. The discussion, lacking explicit criticism, indicates unease regarding Kenya’s dominance. SADC advocates for regional diversity to achieve consensus, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions about diplomacy in Africa.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has challenged Kenya’s predominant role in the mediation process for peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a recent joint meeting in Harare, SADC highlighted the need for a more inclusive panel of peace facilitators, thereby indirectly countering an earlier list proposed by President William Ruto, which had not received formal SADC endorsement.
While the communique from the meeting refrained from explicitly naming individuals or criticizing Kenya’s unilateral approach, it emphasized the need for an “expanded panel of facilitators.” This move indicates a notable discomfort with Kenya’s assertive diplomatic stance and its influence in the Nairobi-Luanda process. SADC is advocating for greater regional representation and gender inclusion in mediation efforts.
Notably, a draft facilitator list announced by Ruto included prominent figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former leaders from Nigeria and Ethiopia. However, Ruto’s announcement, which bore the insignias of both EAC and SADC without formal approval, has reportedly caused unease within the SADC bloc. The DRC government is now suggesting alternative candidates, including former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, to foster greater regional consensus.
This development reflects underlying geopolitical complexities as Kenya seeks to solidify its diplomatic influence on the continent, juxtaposed against SADC’s insistence on balanced, consultative processes. The mediatorial tensions revealed during the Harare meeting underscore the challenges that regional rivalries pose to realizing African solutions to internal conflicts.
As the region navigates these diplomatic waters, the need for collaboration becomes crucial to ensure that peace efforts are effective and representative of various stakeholders’ interests in the DRC and beyond.
The SADC’s push for inclusivity in the DRC peace mediation highlights the delicate balance of power within regional diplomacy. Kenya’s attempts to lead this process face opposition emphasizing collaboration and consensus. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the peace-building landscape in the DRC, with the potential to redefine diplomatic engagements across East Africa.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
