Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-23 04:01:51
African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki urged for the adoption of the dialogue framework instituted by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to ease the tension in the region. Faki called on DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to prioritize the strategy and avoid military tactics as a means to settle differences.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta took up the mediator role in the Eastern part of the DRC after leaving the presidency in 2022. He urged all parties to embrace forgiveness and consider open consultative dialogue to address the conflict in the region. Faki’s statement urged that the grievances from all states in the region must be accounted for to ensure a positive approach towards fostering peace.
Faki explained, “The Chairperson of AUC, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is very concerned about the continuous tension in Eastern DRC and reiterates his call for rapid de-escalation. He calls upon regional leaders, particularly those of DRC and Rwanda, to prioritize dialogue in the framework of the two African mechanisms led by President João Lourenço of Angola and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, with the goal of agreeing, in a collaborative and fraternal spirit, on a reasonable pathway to settle political differences, whatever their nature.”
He also emphasized the need to ensure the integrity, security, sovereignty, and stability of all states in the region and the protection of the civilian population. Faki warned foreign powers against interfering in the internal affairs of African countries, stating that the continent can resolve its internal affairs without intrusion from foreign nations.
The DRC has been in conflict for over 30 years with armed forces seeking to gain control of the territory, especially in the eastern part of the country. Various tactics, including the deployment of foreign military powers, have been adopted to aid in restoring peace. The notorious armed group called the M23 rebels captured areas bordering Rwanda and Uganda, which led to the deployment of East African Community troops in 2022.
Following the mediation by the EAC troops, President Tshisekedi accused the forces of cohabiting with the rebels rather than forcing them to surrender at will. This disagreement resulted in the DRC president ordering the withdrawal of troops from the region.
As AUC chairperson, Moussa Faki’s role involves coordinating member states and other institutions to carry out the commission’s diplomatic resolutions. His term is set to lapse this year, with Raila Odinga declaring interest in succeeding him in the role.
In conclusion, Faki’s call for the adoption of the dialogue framework instituted by former President Uhuru Kenyatta reflects the urgency of addressing the ongoing tension in the Eastern DRC. The importance of prioritizing dialogue over military tactics and the need to ensure the integrity and stability of the region are central to the efforts to foster peace. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for regional leaders to work collaboratively to find a reasonable pathway to settle political differences and ensure the protection of the civilian population.
Read the original article on Kenyans.co.ke
