Former Ethiopian, Kenyan, and Nigerian leaders have been appointed as facilitators for a new peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo amidst escalating violence from the M23 rebel group. An ICC prosecutor has arrived to investigate the situation, which has resulted in over 7,000 deaths this year alone. The East African Community and Southern African Development Community are working together to establish a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid.
On February 26, 2025, it was announced in Addis Ababa that former leaders Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria have been designated as facilitators for a new peace initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The International Criminal Court (ICC) is also investigating the recent surge in conflict in the area.
The M23 rebel group has gained control of two significant cities in eastern DRC, marking a concerning resurgence in violence that began in late 2021. This region has endured decades of unrest, resulting in millions of casualties over the years. Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor, expressed deep concern upon his arrival in Kinshasa, emphasizing the grave situation, particularly in eastern Congo.
In response to the escalating conflict, both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have united to implement a ceasefire. They announced the selection of the aforementioned former leaders as key facilitators in their peace efforts. A summit held on February 8 culminated in the decision to merge two separate peace processes based in Luanda and Nairobi.
The joint statement from EAC and SADC outlined essential objectives, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the securing of Goma’s airport. A ministerial meeting is scheduled for Friday to further discuss the ceasefire intricacies. DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka reported over 7,000 fatalities in the region since January, though these figures remain unverified.
The appointment of former leaders as facilitators marks a significant effort to address the rampant violence in the DRC, particularly from the M23 rebel group. The joint initiative of the EAC and SADC aims for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, signaling a proactive approach to a long-standing crisis. As violence escalates, international oversight from the ICC further underscores the urgency of this intervention.
Original Source: www.ena.et
