Ruto Calls for Merging of Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes
Ruto also acknowledged the progress made through international diplomacy, namely the Washington and Luanda processes, which led to structured agreements
The proposals, the President explained, have been developed by the AU, EAC, and SADC technical teams in line with previous directives and will inform the formal launch of the panel's interventions. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto has once again called for the urgent harmonization of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes into a single process. He noted that the merging of the two processes would create a coherent, African-led political process to tackle the root causes of the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Speaking at a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi — which brought together co-chairs of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), and a panel of facilitators of the DRC peace process — Ruto called for the harmonization of the various peace initiatives. Ruto stated that harmonizing the two tracks was essential in achieving lasting peace in the region.
“This follows a decision by the African Union Summit to unite the peace processes under both AU and EAC-SADC frameworks into one mechanism that can respond to the challenges in Eastern DRC,” Ruto stated. “Today, we are considering proposals for unification, defining the facilitators’ terms of reference, and outlining the framework for an inclusive mediation strategy.”
The proposals, the President explained, have been developed by the AU, EAC, and SADC technical teams in line with previous directives and will inform the formal launch of the panel’s interventions.
Ruto also acknowledged the progress made through international diplomacy, namely the Washington and Luanda processes, which led to structured agreements from the main perpetrators of the conflict. He praised the diplomacy of the regional leaders, saying, “We appreciate the growing support from outside the region and the major achievements recorded through the Washington and Luanda processes.”
He also commended DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta for their instrumental roles in these diplomatic breakthroughs. He said the progress shows that substantive dialogue and diplomacy is a legitimate path towards the realization of a peaceful resolution.
Co-chairing the session alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Ruto reaffirmed their joint determination to steering the peace process on behalf of the EAC-SADC Heads of State Summit. “Our collective determination to end conflict, stop further loss of life, and deliver much-needed humanitarian relief in the DRC was enhanced by the nomination of five facilitators by our regional blocs,” he noted.
They were led by AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and the immediate past presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), and Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi (Botswana). Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo participated virtually.
About Author
