The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) have appointed three former African leaders to mediate the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move follows a recent summit in Tanzania, where regional heads of state called for an immediate ceasefire amid rising violence that has claimed over 7,000 lives this year.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) have appointed former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as facilitators for peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Their appointment follows an extraordinary summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, earlier this month, where regional leaders discussed the ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and government forces.
In a joint statement, the two blocs urged all parties to honor the ceasefire agreed upon at the summit. “M23 and all other actors must halt any further advances and fully abide by an immediate ceasefire,” the statement read.
Violence in eastern DRC has claimed over 7,000 lives this year, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka told the UN Human Rights Council on Monday. The M23 rebels have expanded their territorial control since December, capturing key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.
The latest mediation effort aims to curb hostilities and restore stability in the region.
