The Eastern and Southern African regional blocs have appointed former leaders from Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia to spearhead peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where intensified conflict in the east has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have recently joined forces in a bid to restore stability in the DRC.
The crisis, driven by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, has resulted in significant territorial losses for the Congolese government and widespread displacement of civilians.
During a summit held on February 8, both blocs agreed to unify two existing peace initiatives—the Luanda and Nairobi processes—that had been separately attempting to address the ongoing conflict.
In a joint statement released late Monday, the regional bodies announced the appointment of former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as facilitators of the newly merged peace process.
A Renewed Push for Stability
The appointment of these high-profile figures signals a renewed commitment by African leaders to find a lasting resolution to the prolonged violence in eastern DRC.
The three statesmen bring considerable diplomatic experience to the table:
• Olusegun Obasanjo has played key roles in past mediation efforts across Africa, including in Sudan, Burundi, and Ivory Coast.
• Uhuru Kenyatta led the Nairobi peace process, a diplomatic initiative aimed at engaging armed groups and regional stakeholders.
• Hailemariam Desalegn has been involved in continental peacebuilding efforts, particularly in the Horn of Africa.
Their mission will involve facilitating negotiations between the DRC government, rebel groups, and other stakeholders, as well as engaging regional and international partners to ensure a comprehensive peace strategy.
Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns
The crisis in eastern DRC has worsened in recent months, with the M23 rebel group seizing large swathes of territory in North Kivu province.
The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have reported increasing numbers of displaced persons and mounting casualties. Since January 2025, over 7,000 people have been killed in the region, according to DRC Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde.
Regional tensions have also escalated, with the DRC government accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels—a claim Kigali denies. Previous peace efforts have failed to yield lasting results, leading to skepticism about the effectiveness of new mediation attempts.
Challenges Ahead
While the appointment of experienced mediators is a positive step, significant challenges remain. Key obstacles include:
- The M23’s Expanding Influence: With its continued military gains, the group may be reluctant to engage in negotiations unless substantial concessions are offered.
- Regional Tensions: The strained relations between the DRC and Rwanda complicate diplomatic efforts.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The need for immediate relief and protection for displaced persons remains urgent.
Despite these challenges, the involvement of respected African leaders could help restore trust in the peace process and foster meaningful dialogue among the warring parties.
As the facilitators prepare to engage stakeholders, the international community will be watching closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could end one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts.
