Two developments over the weekend signal hope in ending the devastating humanitarian and political crisis that has engulfed the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo over the past weeks. The human suffering might end sooner than any of us had expected.

First there was the historic Kigali Summit of the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Rwanda’s Rosemary Museminali and the DR Congo’s Alexis Tambwe Mwamba.

The two reached consensus on the way forward agreeing that they would use all means necessary to uproot the notorious ex FAR, who have now reorganised themselves under the Forces for the Democratic Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

They also agreed that the process would include military cooperation including sharing of intelligence information.

The eastern DR Congo has been making headlines for the wrong reasons, continued fighting, that has been characterised by rampant looting, rape, and the displacement of vulnerable groups, especially women and children.

Mind blowing footage of those fleeing their homes has been an eyesore on our television screens, at some point even overshadowing the temporary exuberance over the election of Barack Obama, America’s first black President.

Africa is not a continent condemned to eternal strife and poverty. African’s themselves with the political will can solve the myriad of problems they are facing - - a feat that requires a steadfast focused leadership.

This is where the second development comes in, the leadership to be offered by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was recently appointed United Nations special envoy to the eastern DR Congo. 

Obasanjo seems to have found joy in the DR Congo, he has the crucial support and backing of rebel leader Laurent Nkunda, who pledged full cooperation with his (Obasanjo’s) mission. A similar commitment made by DR Congo President Joseph Kabila.

The diplomatic offensive has brought Obasanjo to Kigali, where he met President Paul Kagame, yesterday, emphasising in line with Rwanda’s position that the crisis in the DR Congo, will be resolved, through the enforcement of previous agreements. 

The sons and daughters of Africa are their own saviors, the above processes sure signal the way towards peace, for the continents most troubled country.

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