Former African Leaders Appointed to Oversee Peace Efforts in Eastern Congo Conflict
Southern and Eastern African countries have expanded a team of former heads of state to oversee peace efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. This decision follows numerous failed attempts to bring stability to the region and signals a renewed commitment to facilitating dialogue.
After a virtual summit on Monday, the main political blocs in Southern and Eastern Africa appointed five former leaders to help facilitate the peace process. These leaders include Nigeria’s former president Olusegun Obasanjo, South Africa’s former president Kgalema Motlanthe, Ethiopia’s former president Sahle-Work Zewde, Kenya’s former president Uhuru Kenyatta, and Catherine Samba Panza, the former president of the Central African Republic.
The region has seen a series of setbacks in peace efforts, with the latest being a refusal by the M23 rebels to withdraw from the strategic town of Walikale, despite earlier promises. The rebels accused the Congolese army of continuing offensive operations, further escalating tensions. The conflict in the region has deep roots, with historical ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and ongoing competition over mineral resources. Since the M23 stepped up its offensive in January, they have captured control of two major cities in eastern Congo, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict. Thousands have died, and many more are displaced.
Congo’s presidency stated that the newly expanded panel would soon name a mediator to replace Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who stepped down from the role on Monday after years of ineffective mediation efforts. Lourenco’s withdrawal follows a period of stagnation in the peace process between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda, which has faced international sanctions for allegedly supporting the M23 rebels with arms and troops, has denied these accusations. Rwanda maintains that its forces are defending themselves against hostile militias and the Congolese army.
At the recent summit, Rwanda’s leadership affirmed its commitment to a political solution addressing the security concerns of all involved parties. Despite these assurances, the M23 rebels have expressed skepticism, stating that the conflict can only be resolved through direct negotiations between the rebels and the government in Kinshasa.
In the backdrop of these diplomatic efforts, a notable development occurred when Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame held their first direct talks in Qatar last week, where both leaders voiced support for an immediate ceasefire. However, M23 rebels rejected the ceasefire calls, citing the necessity of negotiations with the Congolese government.
Tensions have escalated further as the conflict threatens to spill into a wider regional war, with military forces from Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi all involved in the fighting. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, whose troops have been supporting Congo’s military against the M23, warned that Rwanda may have plans to attack Burundi. He emphasized his preference for resolving the conflict through dialogue but cautioned that Burundians would not stand by while the violence escalates.
In response, Rwanda’s government spokesperson Yolande Makolo expressed surprise at President Ndayishimiye’s comments, highlighting ongoing meetings between Rwanda and Burundi’s defense and security institutions to discuss border security.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts continuing as the conflict in eastern Congo continues to strain regional relations and threaten further instability. The new panel of former leaders is expected to play a pivotal role in pushing for a lasting resolution to the crisis, though the path forward remains uncertain.
