Africa Moyo in NAIROBI, Kenya
THE decision to unite the efforts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) has been hailed by the co-chairpersons of the two blocs as a potentially transformative move that could finally bring peace and stability to the troubled eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
SADC Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and EAC Chairperson, President William Ruto of Kenya, convened a joint meeting in Nairobi to formally appoint a panel of five distinguished facilitators.
These individuals, selected for their negotiation acumen and experience in handling complex political matters, have been tasked with steering the region towards lasting peace.
The meeting, held yesterday, was convened to officially appoint the panel, adopt the facilitators’ terms of reference, and discuss funding modalities for the mission.
The panel comprises former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The atmosphere was one of focused determination, with delegates demonstrating a shared commitment to peace, occasionally interrupted only by the sounds of birds and monkeys in the Nairobi setting.
President Mnangagwa described the engagement as a clear demonstration of the two blocs’ collective resolve to resolve the eastern DRC conflict and to consolidate peace and security across the continent.
“Collaboration between your esteemed panel of facilitators, the African Union and the SADC and EAC regional blocs, is key in delivering a lasting solution to this conflict that has negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of the people of eastern DRC, for far too long.
“Allow me to underscore my readiness, and that of our two regional blocs, to constantly engage with you and facilitate your important work, until peace and stability are realised in eastern DRC.
I wish to, once again, sincerely thank our panel of facilitators, the revered Statesmen and women, for accepting the onerous responsibility to find an enduring solution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.
Through your astute leadership, we remain hopeful that our two regions and indeed, the continent, will finally help to achieve peace, relief and reconciliation in the eastern DRC, with it, recovery and ultimately, sustainable development,” he said.
He stressed the importance of African-led solutions, noting that regional leaders are best placed to understand the complexities of the conflict.
“We empathise with the daily struggles of our brothers and sisters in their cherished desire for enduring peace, security and development.
We are, therefore, confident that as facilitators, your collective wisdom, expansive experience and leadership pedigree will be invaluable to the ensuing processes.
Let us move forward with positive optimism, towards unlocking existing bottlenecks, building confidence and restoring trust among all stakeholders, as we address the root causes of the protracted conflict,” he said.
President Mnangagwa emphasised the urgency of brokering a comprehensive and inclusive permanent ceasefire involving all relevant parties. Such a step, he said, is essential for delivering humanitarian assistance and laying the groundwork for lasting peace.
“As we implement the outcomes of the Joint EAC-SADC Summit, we are privileged to build on the strong foundations and gains achieved under the Nairobi and Luanda Peace processes.
This historic Joint EAC-SADC briefing provides a platform to have a shared understanding of the matters at hand and the enormity of the mission ahead.
The need for support and solidarity beyond our two regions is indisputable. Collaboration and synergies with other institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union Commission will be key, given their vital role in facilitating the execution of your mandate,” he said.
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