Three former African leaders have been appointed as facilitators of a new regional mediation effort aimed at resolving the ongoing security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This initiative is a collaboration between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), according to a statement released late Monday.
The two regional blocs have selected former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to lead their joint peace process in the DRC.
This appointment follows a joint summit held on February 8, where the EAC and SADC proposed merging the Nairobi Process, an EAC-led mediation effort led by Kenyatta, with the Luanda Process, a separate peace initiative facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço under the African Union.
Both peace processes have encountered obstacles. The Nairobi Process has reportedly reached an “impasse,” according to Kenyatta’s spokesperson, Kanze Dena. Meanwhile, a peace summit under the Luanda Process was abruptly canceled in late December.
As part of their renewed efforts, the EAC and SADC have scheduled a ministerial meeting for February 28.
The M23 rebels have taken control of multiple towns, including Goma and Bukavu, the capital cities of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, respectively.
The eastern DRC remains a battleground for various armed groups. This renewed mediation effort signals a fresh attempt to bring stability to the region, though the success of the initiative will depend on cooperation from all parties involved.
Reports indicate that calm has been restored in all areas captured by the M23 rebel group, which disclosed intentions to continue fighting for the Liberation of DR Congo, shall Kinshasa maintain reluctance on direct negotiations.
