Stefanus Nashama
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his role as facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi process, has expressed concerns over the ongoing instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Despite ongoing dialogue efforts, Kenyatta highlighted in a report on Thursday that both the political and security situations in eastern DRC remain precarious.
Kenyatta, who was tasked by the EAC with leading peace efforts in the region, explained that, despite consultations between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebel group, instability continues to plague the region.
“The political and security landscape in the DRC became increasingly unstable,” Kenyatta noted, detailing the slow progress of the peace process.
His report, which serves as an update for the EAC, the African Union (AU), and other regional bodies, pointed out that the formation of a new government in the DRC had delayed the resumption of key peace talks.
“While engagements with key stakeholders continued, lack of political momentum coupled with renewed hostilities has significantly undermined the process made in 2022/23,” Kenyatta explained.
A major concern, according to Kenyatta, is the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which had been subjected to a ceasefire but now controls several key towns, further escalating the conflict.
The rising violence in eastern DRC has hindered meaningful progress toward peace despite efforts by both regional and international actors. Kenyatta stressed the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders.
“It is only through the close coordination of bilateral negotiations between Rwanda, DRC, and the inter-Congolese dialogue that the crisis can be brought to a fruitful conclusion,” he said.
He reiterated that the solution must come from within Africa, emphasising the importance of fostering dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda while managing internal regional dynamics.
His report is expected to be a key document in upcoming diplomatic discussions, particularly in meetings with political, civil, and military stakeholders across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“I believe that the right time is now to prepare this report in light of the dire and escalating situation in DRC,” Kenyatta stated.
As the situation in eastern DRC deteriorates, Kenyatta’s message underscores the urgency for a coordinated, African-led solution to bring lasting peace to the region.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated last week between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the killing of 13 South African soldiers in the DRC.
Allegations surfaced that South Africa accused Rwanda of being responsible for the deaths—an assertion Kagame vehemently denied on Twitter, calling Ramaphosa’s remarks lies.
“The Rwandan Defence Force is an army, not a militia. M23 is not Rwandan,” stated Kagame.
He further claimed that the Armed Forces of the DRC were responsible for the deaths of the South African soldiers.
Kagame also expressed frustration with South Africa’s stance.
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes criticised Kagame’s approach, calling his Twitter remarks “weak and immature.”
Johannes argued that such comments reflect poor African leadership in international diplomacy.
Political commentator Ben Mulongeni echoed that while a political issue is at play, the key question is who can be trusted.
“Water does not flow without something in it. Rwanda might make such statements because it has a vested interest in DRC’s resources,” he asserted.
Mulongeni noted that it is not surprising for Kagame to make such remarks, as he appears to be a dominant figure in the region, compared to the DRC, which never had a stable government.
“Kagame has successfully stabilised Rwanda’s economy and military. South Africa, having been a former superpower, must find a strong political strategy to help resolve this matter, especially since it went to the DRC to take on a peacekeeping role on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU),” he emphasised.
Mulongeni urged African countries to unite and support one another; otherwise, external threats may drive a wedge between them.
“If South Africa and Rwanda go to war, the consequences will affect us all,” he warned.
