In the ever-changing landscape of international diplomacy, moments arise where collective action speaks louder than individual efforts. Recently, such a moment was captured when Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined an essential virtual gathering of leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The backdrop of their discussion was the increasingly troubling security situation unraveling in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The dialogue, undeniably significant, was co-chaired by two prominent figures: Kenyan President William Ruto, the current Chairperson of the EAC, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, leading the SADC. These heads of state, along with their peers, came together not in a mere exchange of diplomatic pleasantries, but to face head-on the challenges threatening the peace and stability of the region.
Prime Minister Hamza’s voice rose among the gathered leaders, carrying a tone that was not only firm but enveloped in the genuine warmth characteristic of Somali resilience. He passionately spoke of the urgent humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. His message was clear—this is a regional issue, and it calls for a powerful, united response.
“Sustainable peace,” he asserted, “can only be attainable through a comprehensive approach.” These words were not uttered lightly. They encapsulated the necessity of involving all parties: the conflicting entities within DRC, key players like the United Nations, and, without question, the African Union. With such a collective arrangement, he suggested, a lasting security solution is not just a possibility but a responsibility.
Amidst the poignant discussions, a resolution emerged—one that might very well change the course of the crisis. Five former presidents, each carrying their unique wisdom and experience, have been tasked to lead the initiative for peace. The diverse committee reads like a gathering of wise sages, each with stories of trials and triumphs:
- Olusegun Obasanjo – Former President of Nigeria, a seasoned statesman renowned for his mediation expertise.
- Uhuru Kenyatta – Former President of Kenya, known for his efforts in regional cohesion.
- Kgalema Motlanthe – Former President of South Africa, a figure of calm and resolution during times of internal strife.
- Catherine Samba-Panza – Former President of the Central African Republic, a beacon of hope in her nation’s challenging times.
- Sahle-Work Zewde – Former President of Ethiopia, a trailblazer recognized for her pioneering spirit and diplomatic acumen.
The question remains, will this high-level committee be the catalyst necessary to turn chaos into harmony? These leaders stand at a critical juncture, much like artists poised before a blank canvas, ready to paint a picture of peace where now only chaos reigns.
The formation of this committee is more than a political maneuver; it’s a testament to the region’s unwavering belief in dialogue and diplomacy as pillars of societal progress. As Prime Minister Hamza and his peers have illustrated, regional challenges demand regional solutions. Will this collective wisdom cut through the noise of conflict, or will the melody of violence drown it out once more?
The escalating violence in the eastern DRC is not merely a page in Africa’s ongoing narrative of struggle and resilience. It’s a reality—with lives hanging in the balance, waiting for leaders to transform their pledges into action; words into tangible improvements on the ground. The stakes are high, and the world watches with bated breath.
And so, as these dignitaries proceed down this road, one cannot help but recall the words of Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” With hope and determination, this could be the beginning of another chapter—one written not in despair, but in hope and unity.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
