SADC Advocates for Inclusivity in DRC Mediation Amid Kenyan Dominance

The SADC has called for an expanded and inclusive facilitator panel for DRC peace talks, opposing Kenya’s previously circulated list by President Ruto. This reflects a need for regional balance, as tensions and rivalries complicate diplomatic efforts in African mediation processes.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed a preference for a more inclusive panel of peace facilitators, thereby subtly opposing the previous list presented by Kenyan President William Ruto. This hesitation over Kenya’s influence in the peace process for the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raises concerns over Nairobi’s unilateral approach and perceived dominance in the ongoing Nairobi-Luanda merger negotiations.

In February, President Ruto announced a draft facilitator list that included notable figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. However, this list included SADC and EAC insignias without formal approval from SADC, leading to discontent within the Southern bloc. In response, SADC is now advocating for regional balance and gender inclusion in facilitator appointments, highlighting Kinshasa’s suggestion of former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde as a potentially more neutral alternative to Desalegn.

The discussions surrounding the facilitator list reflect broader geopolitical tensions: Kenya is attempting to assert its role within African diplomacy, while SADC emphasizes the necessity for consensus and thorough consultation among member states. The recent Harare meeting intended to align mediation efforts but instead revealed how regional rivalries could hinder achieving African solutions for African challenges.

In summary, SADC’s call for a broader and more inclusive facilitator panel indicates resistance to Kenya’s dominant role in the DRC peace efforts. The situation reveals the complexities and rivalries inherent within regional diplomacy, particularly as Kenya seeks to solidify its influence while SADC advocates for more collective decision-making and representation.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke