EAC and SADC back Africa-led framework to end Eastern DRC conflict
Ruto said the two leaders had resolved to consolidate previously separate initiatives into a unified structure for better results in the conflict-torn region.
President William Ruto and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa have announced a deal to merge the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes into one Africa-led framework aimed at ending conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The agreement, unveiled during a virtual Joint Extraordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Wednesday, will be jointly supported by the African Union (AU) to improve coordination, impact, and sustainability of peace efforts.
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Ruto said the two leaders had resolved to consolidate previously separate initiatives into a unified structure for better results in the conflict-torn region.
“President Mnangagwa and I have agreed to merge the EAC-SADC and AU structures into one unified, Africa-led initiative to enhance coordination and harmonisation of the peace processes in the eastern DRC,” he said.
The President also revealed that since their last meeting, he and Mnangagwa met in Nairobi on August 1 with the Panel of Facilitators to review their mandate and examine the proposed peace framework.
The documents discussed during that session were prepared in consultation with the AU Commission.
Ruto said the integrated approach offers the best chance for lasting peace.
“A sustained, coordinated, Africa-led peace process remains the surest path to a stable and peaceful eastern DRC and region,” he noted.
The summit approved the operational framework for the new mechanism, including the merger plan for the Nairobi and Luanda processes, terms of reference for a five-member Panel of Facilitators, and a design for inclusive mediation.
It also endorsed a proposed secretariat structure and a resource mobilisation strategy to fund the initiative.
Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi was appointed to the Panel of Facilitators, joining former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia.
The panel will lead an inclusive dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict and promote sustainable peace and development in the region.
The summit also welcomed progress from the Washington and Doha initiatives, which have resulted in structured commitments by Rwanda and the DRC.
Ruto praised Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi for embracing diplomacy and thanked the United States and Qatar for their facilitation roles.
“I sincerely commend His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC for embracing dialogue and diplomacy in the search for lasting peace in the region,” he said.
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