Uhuru, Obasanjo and Desalegn to lead DRC peace process
A joint summit of leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed two new facilitators for the peace bid for the Democratic Republic of Congo, formally merging two processes that have struggled to end hostilities.
The decision means that former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya will stay on the mediation as a co-facilitator.
He will be joined by ex-Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as co-facilitators of the merged Luanda-Nairobi process, a peace effort designed to persuade armed groups in eastern DRC to lay down their arms while also addressing tensions between Rwanda and DRC, which have accused each other of fomenting rebellions against their governments.
The decision was actually been made on February 8, when leaders of the EAC and SADC gathered in Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam to discuss the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebel group has expanded territory in renewed violence.
A joint statement issued by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, chair of SADC, and Kenya’s President William Ruto, chair of EAC, said warring sides in the Congo are now required to cease fire, and attend peace talks when called upon.
Already, Defence Chiefs from member states have been discussing how to help the DRC implement a ceasefire.
The military chiefs want an immediate ceasefire and unconditional cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance, opening of main supply routes, “development of a securitisation plan for Goma and surrounding areas and immediate reopening of Goma Airport and advice on other facilitative interventions,” the joint statement indicated on Monday.
The decision on facilitators is both a compromise and meant to address the trust deficit that has existed in the last one year.
The Luanda Process, mediated by Angolan President Joao Lourenco was meant to address tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
But of late, the ceasefire decisions have recently been violated and meetings skipped. A framework for monitoring violations was also never implemented, even though both countries had agreed to work on it.
The Nairobi Process under President Kenyatta was meant to bring armed groups to the table for dialogue with the government of DRC under President Felix Tshisekedi. But while Kinshasa was confident in Kenyatta’s mediation, it also refused meeting with M23, a group it accuses of being terrorist organisation. This departure was a bone of contention for Rwanda which has insisted on direct talks between Kinshasa and the M23.
In the meantime, the M23 have taken over Goma and Bukavu, two of the largest cities in eastern DRC. They then called for talks, vowing to heed the calls of regional leaders.
But President Tshisekedi said he won’t talk to them. Instead, he said he would rather talk with Rwanda, which he accuses of arming the M23.
Rwanda in turn accuses Kinshasa of shielding a rebel group known as the FDLR, remnants of those who carried out the 1994 genocide in Rwanda before fleeing to the DRC.
Kigali says the group still harbours ambitions to return to Kigali for power.
A joint meeting of EAC-SADC defence chiefs was due on Monday in Dar es Salaam to “work on the details of the ceasefire.”
“All actors are urged to observe the ceasefire announced by the ERAC-SADC Summit, and the M23 and all other actors are called upon to cease any further advancement in eastern DRC and to observe and abide by an immediate ceasefire,” the statement said.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.