AU Boss Raila is Seeking to Replace Praises Uhuru, Warns Foreign Powers
On Thursday, February 22, Moussa Faki, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, urged the implementation of the dialogue framework introduced by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to alleviate the tension in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a declaration, Faki urged DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to focus on a diplomatic approach to resolving their differences, emphasizing the exclusion of military tactics from consideration.
After stepping down from the presidency in 2022, Uhuru assumed the position of mediator in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, encouraging all involved parties to embrace forgiveness and engage in open, consultative dialogues to resolve the conflict in the area.
In his address, Faki emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of all states in the area to promote a constructive path toward achieving peace.
“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, to agree, in a collaborative and fraternal spirit, on a reasonable pathway to settle political differences, whatever their nature,” Faki explained.
“The integrity, security, sovereignty, and stability of all states in the region must necessarily be assured, and the lives of the civilian population completely protected.”
Additionally, the chairperson of the AUC cautioned foreign entities against meddling in the domestic matters of any African nation.
He observed that the continent has the ability to address its domestic matters without interference from external countries.
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“He calls upon all foreign powers to completely abstain from all interference in the internal affairs of all African countries, notably those of the Great Lakes Region,” the AU Commission remarked.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in conflict for more than three decades, with various armed factions vying for control, particularly in the eastern region. Several strategies have been employed, including enlisting assistance from foreign military forces to help restore stability.
A well-known militant faction known as the M23 insurgents seized control of territories adjacent to Rwanda and Uganda, leading to the deployment of troops by the heads of state from the East African Community in 2022.
After mediation by EAC troops, President Tshisekedi criticized the troops for living alongside the rebels instead of compelling them to surrender voluntarily. Consequently, the DRC president instructed the troops to retreat from the area.
Moussa Faki’s responsibilities as the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) include organizing member states and other organizations to implement the commission’s diplomatic decisions.
His current tenure is due to end this year, and Raila Odinga of the Azimio coalition has expressed his intention to take over the position.
AU Boss Raila is Seeking to Replace Praises Uhuru, Warns Foreign Powers