The SADC challenges Kenya’s leading role in DRC mediation, advocating for a broader panel of facilitators. President Ruto’s unilateral proposal stirred unease, prompting calls for regional balance and inclusion. The debate reflects complex geopolitical dynamics hindering effective mediation efforts.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed concerns regarding Kenya’s unilateral attempts to lead the peace mediation process in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They have advocated for a broader and more inclusive panel of peace facilitators, pushing back against a draft list proposed by Kenyan President William Ruto. This list, which included notable figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, was released prematurely and raised unease within the SADC due to its lack of formal approval.
During a joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare, no individuals were directly criticized. However, the communique called for an expanded panel of facilitators, indicating discomfort with Kenya’s assertive approach and dominance in the ongoing Nairobi-Luanda process merger. The document highlights the importance of regional balance and gender inclusion, with suggestions for alternatives, such as former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, to ensure a more representative mediator selection.
The facilitator debate reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in Africa. While Kenya aims to strengthen its diplomatic role on the continent, SADC emphasizes the need for process, consultation, and balanced participation. The Harare meeting, initially intended to unify mediation efforts, has inadvertently showcased how regional rivalries can hinder progress toward achieving African-led solutions to African challenges.
The Southern African Development Community’s call for an inclusive approach to peace mediation in the DRC indicates a pushback against Kenya’s unilateral tendencies. The ongoing discourse reveals the complexity of regional diplomacy, necessitating a recalibration of strategies to foster cooperation and balance among involved parties. Ultimately, this situation underscores the challenges of navigating geopolitical interests in pursuit of African solutions to regional conflicts.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
