5 Former Presidents appointed to Spearhead Peace Efforts in DRC

By Wilson Mulinda

The East African Community and the Southern African Development Community have appointed five former African Presidents to spearhead peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The five former African Presidents that have been appointed as facilitators are Former President of Nigeria Olusegun  Obasanjo, Former President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Former President of South Africa Kgalema Mntlanthe, Former President of Central African Republic Catherine Samba Panza, and Former President of Ethiopia Sahle-Work Zewde.

The decision was reached during a virtual Joint Summit of EAC-SADC Heads of State and Government held yesterday.

President Hakainde Hichilema  was among the 15 Heads of State and Government that attended the meeting.

The Joint Summit, also underscored the urgent need for a coordinated response to the escalating conflict in the eastern DRC.

In a Communiqué, the Joint Summit also directed that the Co-Chairs convene a briefing session with the panel of facilitators within the next seven days, and the briefing should be done jointly by SADC, EAC and the African Union.

The Joint Summit also directed the commencement of the implementation of the report and the roadmap.