Former leaders from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria have been appointed by regional blocs to lead a peace process in the DRC amid rising violence from M23 rebels. An ICC prosecutor has arrived to investigate ongoing unrest that has resulted in thousands of casualties since January. The EAC and SADC aim for a ceasefire and will meet to detail their approach.
In a significant development, African leaders have appointed former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as facilitators of a new peace initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This appointment comes in light of the recent surge in violence attributed to the M23 rebel group, which has gained control over two major cities in eastern DRC.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dispatched a prosecutor to the DRC to investigate the escalating violence. Since January, the conflict in the mineral-rich eastern region has claimed the lives of approximately 7,000 individuals, according to statements made by DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. The situation remains dire in the region characterized by decades of unrest and upheaval.
In response to the violence, two regional African organizations, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have united their efforts to establish a ceasefire. Following a summit on February 8, the two blocs agreed to integrate their prior peace processes and declared their objectives, which include an immediate ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
The EAC and SADC have together designated the former leaders to spearhead the peace process. They plan to convene for a ministerial meeting on Friday to finalize the ceasefire details, aiming to secure the airport in Goma and alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.
In summary, the appointment of former African leaders to facilitate peace efforts in the DRC signifies a concerted regional response to a troubling escalation of violence by the M23 rebel group. Amidst reports of significant casualties and humanitarian needs, the collaborative action of the EAC and SADC reflects a commitment to restoring stability in the region. Upcoming meetings are crucial for establishing an immediate ceasefire and addressing urgent humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: www.ena.et
