National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, this morning held an impromptu consultative engagement with the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo on peace in the East African region.
The discussions centered on the ongoing mediation process between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda.
Obasanjo is one of three eminent African statesmen facilitating the ongoing regional peace process.
He is working alongside former president Uhuru Kenyatta, South Africa’s Kgalema Motlanthe, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde, and the Central African Republic’s Catherine Samba-Panza.
Their collective efforts, under the auspices of the African Union and other regional mechanisms, seek to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the conflict-prone Great Lakes region.
During the meeting, Obasanjo reflected on his decade-long commitment to peace and dialogue in Africa.
He recalled his involvement in similar mediation efforts dating as far back as the 1960s.
His deep insight into regional geopolitics and unwavering dedication to diplomacy continue to shape conflict resolution efforts across the continent.
“It was the same problem we are dealing with now. We must find a solution,” he said.
Wetang’ula, a seasoned diplomat and former Foreign Affairs Minister, commended the ongoing peace efforts.
He shared his own experiences in the DRC peace process, particularly his collaboration with the late President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania in fostering dialogue and reconciliation.
“As foreign minister then, I worked on the Congo conflict with the late former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa in 2009. The same problem is persisting 14 years later,” noted Wetang’ula.
He further emphasized the importance of African-led solutions, noting that homegrown diplomacy, backed by historical understanding and shared commitment, is key to unlocking the region’s full potential.
“I commend the sustained and reinvigorated diplomatic efforts by African leaders. It is only through high-level mediation and collective political will that we can secure enduring peace and development for our people,” said Wetang’ula.
This high-level engagement comes at a time when regional peace remains fragile, with calls for increased cooperation, humanitarian response and continental solidarity growing louder.
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