Kenyatta, Obasanjo, and Desalegn will mediate the EAC-SADC process in the DR Congo dispute

Former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, have been named as facilitators of the new peace process for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is facing a security crisis due to the ongoing conflict between the AFC/M23 rebels and the Congolese armed forces.

The process, which was the outcome of the joint summit of the presidents of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) on February 8, combined the peace procedures in Luanda and Nairobi, which had been started in 2022.

The AFC/M23 rebels, who have taken control of the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu since late January, and the Congolese government should hold direct peace negotiations, according to the EAC-SADC summit.

Prior to a meeting of ministers from the two blocs on Friday, the EAC and SADC chiefs of defense forces met in Dar es Salaam on Monday, February 24, during which Kenyan President Willam Ruto, who chairs the EAC, confirmed the facilitators’ appointment.

Ruto stated, “The M23 and all other actors are called upon to cease any further advancements in Eastern DRC and to observe and abide by an immediate ceasefire in accordance with the ceasefire announced by the EAC-SADC Summit.”

“The peace process in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is actively seized by the Joint EAC-SADC process.”