The SADC has called for a broader and more inclusive panel for the DRC peace mediation, pushing back against an earlier facilitator list proposed by Kenya’s President Ruto. This move signals discomfort with Kenya’s unilateral approach and highlights the need for regional balance and diversity in facilitators. The discussions reflect more extensive geopolitical tensions affecting the African peace process.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has emphasized the need for a wider, more inclusive panel of peace facilitators in response to Kenya’s proposed leadership role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mediation. This development reflects hesitancy over Kenya’s assertiveness in the diplomatic sphere, particularly concerning a preliminary facilitator list circulated by President William Ruto.
During a recent joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare, while no direct criticisms were made, the call for an “expanded panel of facilitators” suggests dissatisfaction with Kenya’s approach. President Ruto’s earlier draft included notable figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo but lacked formal approval from SADC, raising concerns within the bloc.
SADC is now advocating for regional balance and gender representation in the facilitator lineup. Kinshasa has suggested former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde as a preferable alternative to Hailemariam Desalegn, who is perceived as being too closely aligned with Kigali. This contention indicates that the proposed facilitator list is contentious and may require Kenya to adjust its stance.
The discussion on the facilitator’s role highlights underlying geopolitical tensions. Kenya aims to solidify its influence in regional affairs, while SADC promotes a process that prioritizes consultation and balance. The ongoing mediation efforts reveal how regional rivalries can hinder the fundamental goal of addressing African issues with African solutions.
In summary, the SADC has challenged Kenya’s dominance in the DRC mediation process by calling for a more inclusive facilitator panel. This shift indicates a need for consensus and balance, particularly in light of Kenya’s previous unilateral moves. The need for gender inclusion and regional representation has been underscored, suggesting that ongoing geopolitical dynamics will likely shape the outcome of the mediation negotiations.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
