EAC-led Nairobi Process Facilitator

Posted in Nairobi process

The East African Community (EAC)-Led Nairobi Process facilitator plays a critical role in the peace process aimed at finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During the 22^nd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held on 22^nd July, 2022 the Nairobi Process was mainstreamed into the EAC by invoking the Provision of Article 4 of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security.

President (Rtd) of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta was appointed by the EAC Heads of State as the Facilitator to champion peace and oversee the implementation of the Nairobi Process. The Summit approved the Terms of Reference for the EAC Facilitator and directed that a special Fund be established to support the implementation of the process.

Mandate of the Office of the Facilitator

The mandate of the Office of the Facilitator of the EAC-led Nairobi Process is to champion peace and oversee the implementation of the Nairobi Process as provided for in the Modality for the Establishment and Functioning of the EAC Panel of Eminent Persons and for the Deployment of Special Envoys/ Representatives.

Under the guidance of the Chairperson of the EAC Summit of Heads of State, and with the support of special envoys, the Facilitator shall among other important tasks:

1. Ensure sustenance of the high level political dialogue among Congolese and expeditiously facilitate the talks with a view to sustainably address all contentious issues and resolve the security challenges;
   
   
2. Provide political leadership to the Military interventions within the context of the Nairobi Process and coordination with MONUSCO;
   
   
3. Ensure that the inter-Congolese dialogue is as inclusive as possible, involving all parties to the conflict in the Eastern DRC among others;
   
   
4. Determine the appropriate methodology and practical modalities for the functioning of the Inter Congolese dialogue process including:
   • Determine the agenda of the dialogue sessions, the timeframe for the discussions, participation and the venues.
   • Establish rules of procedure for the dialogue.
   • Determine the composition and expertise of the Facilitator’s team, which may include: a political team (Eminent persons and Senior Advisors from EAC, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN), a Technical team (support staff/experts and resource persons). The EAC Secretariat, ICGLR Secretariat, AU and UN could provide some of the requisite support staff/experts.

5. Engage with all key regional and international partners to ensure sustained political, diplomatic and financial support for the success of the Nairobi Process; and
   
   
6. Closely work with the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the EAC Partner States and provide status briefing to the EAC Summit, the AU and UN whenever the Facilitator deems necessary and/or upon request.