SADC Advocates for Inclusive Peace Mediation in DRC Amid Kenyan Assertiveness
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged a more inclusive approach to peace mediation in the DRC, signaling resistance to Kenya’s lead role as proposed by President William Ruto. SADC’s recent meeting indicated the need for regional balance, gender inclusion, and collaboration, while also expressing concerns over Kenya’s previous unilateral actions regarding facilitator selection. This situation raises questions about Kenya’s diplomatic approach and the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed the need for a more inclusive panel of peace facilitators in response to Kenya’s leadership aspirations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mediation. This development follows President William Ruto’s circulation of a list of facilitators which has not gained universal approval.
During a recent joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare, SADC emphasized the importance of expanding the peace facilitation panel without explicitly criticizing Kenya’s prior actions. The push for an inclusive approach suggests discomfort with Kenya’s assertive role in the ongoing Nairobi-Luanda process.
President Ruto’s earlier draft list, which included notable figures like former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, raised concerns as it bore both EAC and SADC insignias without the latter’s formal consent. SADC is now advocating for elements such as regional balance and gender representation.
Notably, Kinshasa has proposed former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde as a replacement for former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is perceived by some as biased towards Kigali. This shift underscores the need for consensus and recalibration of Nairobi’s strategy in the mediation process.
Furthermore, the discussions at the Harare meeting reveal deeper geopolitical implications, with Kenya eager to solidify its role in continental diplomacy and SADC calling for an emphasis on process and inclusivity. This situation illustrates how regional rivalries can hinder efforts toward achieving African-led solutions for African challenges.
In conclusion, the SADC’s call for a broader and more inclusive approach to peace facilitation in the DRC underscores the complexities of regional diplomacy. Kenya’s aspirations, while ambitious, highlight the necessity of consensus and balance among member states in mediation efforts. The evolving dynamics within this context may require reassessment of strategies to ensure successful outcomes in African conflict resolution initiatives.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
