SADC Urges Inclusive Mediation Panel Against Kenya’s Lead Role in DRC

The SADC has urged for a more inclusive panel of peace facilitators in the DRC, resisting Kenya’s unilateral approach. A recent ministerial meeting called for expanded facilitation, highlighting regional balance and gender inclusion amidst concerns over Kenya’s significant involvement. The current facilitator list faces scrutiny, suggesting a need for broader consensus and cooperation among regional players.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed its desire for a broader and more inclusive panel of peace facilitators in the ongoing mediation efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This pushback comes in response to an earlier list proposed by Kenyan President William Ruto, suggesting that Kenya’s assertive role has been met with subtle resistance from the SADC.

During a joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare, officials did not explicitly criticize Kenya; however, the communique’s emphasis on the need for “an expanded panel of facilitators” indicates some discomfort with Kenya’s leadership in the diplomatic process. In February, President Ruto had prematurely circulated a draft facilitator list that included prominent figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and others, which lacked formal support from SADC and reportedly caused unease within the southern bloc.

SADC is now advocating for a focus on “regional balance” and gender inclusion in its peace facilitation efforts. The current list is under scrutiny, as Kinshasa has put forward former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde as an alternative candidate, indicating a preference for less perceived bias in the selection of facilitators. This situation suggests that consensus is lacking regarding the facilitator selection, pointing to the need for Kenya to potentially recalibrate its diplomatic approach.

The ongoing facilitator debate reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, illustrating Kenya’s desire to fortify its diplomatic role within Africa, while SADC emphasizes the importance of process, consultation, and balance in mediation efforts. The Harare meeting, initially intended to unify mediation tracks, instead unveiled the complexities regional rivalries introduce into the quest for African solutions to African problems.

In summary, the Southern African Development Community is advocating for a more inclusive approach to peace facilitation in the DRC, challenging Kenya’s primary role in this mediation effort. While Kenya seeks to strengthen its diplomatic position, the call for regional balance and gender inclusion suggests a necessary recalibration of its strategy. This situation underscores the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in the region’s conflict resolution efforts.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke