William Ruto, the President of Kenya and current chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called for a structured approach to financing peace initiatives during a gathering of diplomats and international organizations in Nairobi on Sunday, February 9, 2025. This call comes in light of the ongoing peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically the Luanda process led by João Lourenço of Angola and the Nairobi process led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, which were resolutions from a joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the EAC.
Ruto emphasized the importance of sustainable financing for peace initiatives, highlighting past failures due to inconsistent funding leading to delays and potential escalation of violence. He stressed the need for a structured financing mechanism to ensure effective peace consolidation, urging states and international organizations to collaborate in securing adequate resources.
“The peace initiatives such as the DRC process require sustainable funding. However, many efforts fail due to inconsistent funding, leading to delays that create gaps and risk triggering new violence. To avoid this, we must establish a structured mechanism for financing peace initiatives. I urge states and international organizations to work together to ensure adequate resources for effective peace consolidation,” Ruto stated.
Addressing the issue of overlapping peace processes, Ruto noted, “Having two competing processes running in parallel creates unnecessary competition.” He proposed that a joint meeting of SADC and EAC ministers be convened to develop a coordinated funding strategy, involving the establishment of a joint technical team under the auspices of both regional secretariats.
“We propose that the EAC and SADC ministers convene a joint meeting to establish a joint technical team under the auspices of the two regional secretariats. This team would develop a coordinated funding strategy, ensuring accountability and mobilizing support from partners, including those gathered here today. A structured approach to funding and international engagement is essential to support the EAC-SADC Peace Initiative in the DRC,” the EAC chair added.
The joint SADC-EAC Summit is being held in accordance with the decision of the extraordinary summit of SADC heads of state and government on January 31, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe. During this summit, the precarious and rapidly evolving security situation in eastern DRC was assessed, leading to a call for an immediate joint summit of SADC and EAC to collectively address the security situation in the region.
Expert Insights on Sustainable Peace Financing
Experts in conflict resolution and peacebuilding have long emphasized the critical role of sustainable financing in ensuring the success of peace initiatives. Dr. Jane Mwangi, a leading researcher in post-conflict reconstruction, underscores the importance of consistent funding mechanisms in maintaining peace efforts.
“In conflict-affected regions, the availability and reliability of funding can make or break the peace process. Without a structured financing approach, initiatives risk stalling or failing altogether, potentially leading to a resurgence of violence. It is imperative for stakeholders to prioritize sustainable funding strategies to support lasting peace,” Dr. Mwangi stated.
Global Support for Peace Consolidation
The call for structured peace financing by President Ruto has garnered support from various international organizations and diplomatic missions present at the gathering in Nairobi. Representatives from the United Nations, the African Union, and key donor countries have expressed their commitment to collaborating with the EAC and SADC in developing a cohesive funding strategy for peace initiatives in the DRC.
“We recognize the urgency of sustainable peace financing in conflict-affected regions such as the DRC. International solidarity and coordinated efforts are essential in ensuring that peace consolidation efforts are adequately supported. We stand ready to work with regional bodies and governments to secure the necessary resources for effective peacebuilding,” a spokesperson for the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission affirmed.
As the global community rallies behind the call for structured financing of peace initiatives, the focus remains on establishing a comprehensive and inclusive funding mechanism that can sustain long-term peace and stability in conflict-affected regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Only through collaborative and coordinated efforts can lasting peace be achieved, paving the way for a brighter and more secure future for all.