Lasting peace in DRC a possibility

Originally Published: August 01, 2025 | 📰 Source: Herald | This content is aggregated by AllZimNews.com to bring you the latest Zimbabwe news from various sources. Africa Moyo in NAIROBI, KenyaTHE decision to combine the efforts of SADC and the East African Community (EAC) has been hailed by co-chairpersons of the two blocs as a potential masterstroke that will bring the much-awaited peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa and EAC Chairperson President William Ruto of Kenya held a joint meeting in Nairobi yesterday to formally appoint a panel of five facilitators, who have been mandated to deploy their negotiation skills and vast experience in dealing with complex matters, to usher in lasting peace in eastern DRC. A virtual Extraordinary Joint EAC-SADC Summit will now be convened within seven days to communicate the outcomes of yesterday’s meeting, which the African Union Commission will pass on to all AU member States.Yesterday’s meeting was called to formally appoint a panel of five facilitators expected to find a lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC, to adopt the documents relating to the facilitators’ terms of reference and to discuss the funding modalities for the team.The five facilitators are former Presidents— Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) and Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana).All delegates were determined to ensure a lasting peace deal was attained, as demonstrated by their attention to detail, which was only occasionally interrupted by the sounds of birds and monkeys.President Mnangagwa said yesterday’s engagement demonstrated the two blocs’ collective commitment to the peaceful resolution of the eastern DRC conflict and the consolidation of peace and security on the continent at large.“Collaboration between your esteemed panel of facilitators, the African union and the SADC and EAC regional blocs, is key in delivering a lasting solution to this conflict that has negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of the people of eastern DRC, for far too long,” he said.“Allow me to underscore my readiness, and that of our two regional blocs, to constantly engage with you and facilitate your important work, until peace and stability are realised in eastern DRC.“I wish to, once again, sincerely thank our panel of facilitators, the revered Statesmen and women, for accepting the onerous responsibility to find an enduring solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. Through your astute leadership, we remain hopeful that our two regions and indeed, the continent, will finally help to achieve peace, relief and reconciliation in the eastern DRC, with it, recovery and ultimately, sustainable development.”The President added that it was important for African leaders to take the lead in restoring peace in eastern DRC, as they are familiar with the complexities of the situation.“We empathise with the daily struggles of our brothers and sisters in their cherished desire for enduring peace, security and development.“We are, therefore, confident that as facilitators, your collective wisdom, expansive experience and leadership pedigree will be invaluable to the ensuing processes.

“Let us move forward with positive optimism, towards unlocking existing bottlenecks, building confidence and restoring trust among all stakeholders, as we address the root causes of the protracted conflict,” he said.President Mnangagwa said it is important and urgent to broker a comprehensive and inclusive permanent ceasefire that involves all relevant parties. Such a step, he said, is essential for the delivery of the much-needed humanitarian assistance and to lay a firm foundation for lasting peace for the people of eastern DRC.“As we implement the outcomes of the Joint EAC-SADC Summit, we are privileged to build on the strong foundations and gains achieved under the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes. “This historic Joint EAC-SADC briefing provides a platform to have a shared understanding of the matters at hand and the enormity of the mission ahead.“The need for support and solidarity beyond our two regions is indisputable. Collaboration and synergies with other institutions such as the United Nations and the African union Commission will be key, given their vital role in facilitating the execution of your mandate,” he said.President Mnangagwa also acknowledged and commended the recent positive developments in eastern DRC, notably the agreement with M23 rebels regarding the withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) troops.“We also welcome the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington DC, as well as the Declaration of Principles, signed between the DRC and M23, on July 19, 2025, in Doha.

“These milestones reflect goodwill and a renewed spirit of cooperation and good neighbourliness between the two sister nations.“The tireless efforts of international partners, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in advancing these peace initiatives, are equally applauded. Leveraging on complementarity, all efforts that contribute to lasting peace in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes Region must be synchronised, to sustain momentum and ultimately lead to our desired result,” said President Mnangagwa.On his part, President Ruto thanked the panel of facilitators for accepting the opportunity to work towards bringing peace in eastern DRC.“Your profound wisdom, experience and vast knowledge in peace building, policy and leadership is vital in navigating the complex conflicts that are associated with our region,” he said.President Ruto said the facilitators will engage everyone involved in the DRC conflict so that they address, among other things, the root causes of the conflict.The decision to have a panel of facilitators was born out of a realisation by EAC and SADC leaders that violence in eastern DRC negatively impacts the region.President Ruto said the situation in eastern DRC continues to be dire, with a lot of suffering, hence the decision to merge the Luanda and Nairobi processes so that something concrete comes out for the benefit of the suffering people.Sadc Chairperson President Mnangagwa converses with Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga on arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare last night from Kenya, where he met with his East African Community counterpartKenyan President William Ruto to formalise the appointment of five facilitators to help resolve the conflict in eastern DRC. – Picture: Believe Nyakudjara.President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira and Deputy Chief Secretary — Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba, left Nairobi after the meeting. He arrived home last night.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave Zimbabwe Herald Source: Zimbabwe Herald All Zim News All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed.

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