The SADC is advocating for a broader, more inclusive mediator panel in the DRC peace process, responding to concerns regarding Kenya’s unilateral approach led by President Ruto. The call for an “expanded panel of facilitators” signifies discomfort with Kenya’s assertive diplomacy, with discussions on alternative candidates for the mediator role. This situation underscores the geopolitical dynamics at play, as Kenya seeks prominence in diplomacy amid regional rivalries.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed the need for a more extensive and inclusive panel of mediators, subtly resisting Kenya’s dominant role in the peace process regarding the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This resistance comes after a draft facilitator list was released by President William Ruto, which included notable figures but did so without formal approval from SADC, raising concerns among member states.
During a recent EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare, while no specific criticisms were directed at Kenya, there was an emphasis on the necessity for “an expanded panel of facilitators,” indicating a level of discontent with Kenya’s independent diplomatic assertiveness. The call for this broader panel also reflects a desire to achieve regional balance and gender inclusion in the mediation process, as multiple voices have been included in discussions.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn were initially proposed in Ruto’s list. However, suggestions have emerged from Kinshasa, advocating for former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, citing concerns that Desalegn may be too closely affiliated with Kigali’s interests.
This ongoing facilitator debate illuminates critical geopolitical dynamics, as Kenya aims to establish itself as a prominent player in continental diplomacy. Meanwhile, SADC focuses on the importance of consultation, process, and balance to navigate regional rivalries that potentially hinder the effectiveness of African-led solutions.
In summary, the SADC’s call for a more inclusive mediation panel highlights challenges in the ongoing peace process for the DRC. Kenya’s unilateral approach has sparked reservations among regional peers, indicating that the path forward requires consensus and balanced representation. This situation reflects the complex geopolitical landscape in which regional diplomacy operates, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across member states to achieve lasting peace.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
