I would like to refer to the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Security Council presidential statement of 29 October 2008 (S/PRST/2008/40), in which the Council expressed support for my efforts to facilitate dialogue between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and encouraged me to appoint a special envoy as soon as possible.
In this regard, and following consultations with Presidents Kabila and Kagame, the African Union and other concerned stakeholders, I have decided to appoint Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, as my Special Envoy for eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mr. Obasanjo will work in close coordination with my Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Alan Doss, and my Special Envoy for the Lord's Resistance Army-affected areas, Joaquim Chissano. A small office will be established to support the work of the Special Envoy for eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
I should be grateful if you could bring the present letter to the attention of the members of the Security Council.
(Signed) Ban Ki-moon