Crisis in the DRC: 03 ex-African leaders designated facilitators of a new peace process

Crisis in the DRC: 03 ex-African leaders designated facilitators of a new peace process

ByThe Mwebantu Team

Three former African leaders were appointed as facilitators of a new regional mediation mechanism initiated by two sub-regional organizations in order to resolve the security crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a statement published on Monday evening.

The Eastern African Community (EAC) and the Development Community of Southern Africa (SADC) have announced the appointment of former President Kenyan Uhuru Kenyatta, the former Nigerian president Obasanjo and the former Ethiopian Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to conduct their peace process in the DRC. This decision was formalized through a joint press release from the two regional organizations.

At a summit held on February 8, the EAC and the SADC proposed to merge the Nairobi process, initiated by the EAC and led by Mr. Kenyatta, with the Luanda process, set up by the African Union and under the direction of the Angolan President Joao Lourenço.

These two peace initiatives have encountered several difficulties. According to Kanze Dena, spokesperson for Mr. Kenyatta, the Nairobi process is currently in an impasse, while a meeting planned as part of the Luanda process was canceled in extremis at the end of December.

In addition, the two organizations announced the holding of a ministerial meeting on February 28 and urged the March 23 movement (M23), a rebellious group having taken control of several Congolese cities, to immediately stop any advance and to respect a cease-fire.

As a reminder, the M23 conquered several strategic localities, including Goma and Bukavu, capitals of the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. The east of the DRC, rich in mining resources such as the pass, tin, tantalum and gold, remains a home of tensions where various armed groups compete for the control of these resources.

The Mwebantu Team
The Mwebantu Team

Led by Nia, the insightful editor-in-chief, Kwame, our technology expert, and Amara, the bold field reporter, the Mwebantu team weaves the vibrant narrative of Africa every day, forging a narrative bridge between the continent and the world. Their shared passion illuminates the mission of Mwebantu News, making African voices resonate on the global stage.