EAC presidents issue directives in attempt to restore peace in DR Congo
The Summit directed all troop-contributing countries to immediately deploy and urged the DRC to facilitate the deployment of troops from South Sudan and Uganda to the East African Regional Force.
Presidents of East Africa Community (EAC) member states met in Burundi’s capital Bujumbura the attend the 20th Extra-Ordinary summit of the East African Community Heads of State to evaluate the current security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo or DRC).
A Communiqué released after the closed-door meeting held on 4th February 2023 indicated that the Summit received reports on the current security state in Eastern DRC from the facilitators of the EAC-led Nairobi process and the force commander of the EAC regional force.
The Summit observed that the security situation in Eastern DRC is a regional matter that can only be sustainably resolved through a political process and highlighted the need for enhanced dialogue among all the parties and involving all stakeholders.
The Summit host & current Chairman of the EAC summit, President Evariste Ndayishimiye outlined the purpose of the meeting,
“The main purpose of the meeting is to evaluate the current situation in Eastern DRC with a view of coming up with decisions that will ameliorate the security situation & facilitate the restoration of peace and security in Eastern DRC,” he said.
As guidance to the restoration of peace in Eastern DRC, the presidents directed that all parties immediately cease fire, directed for immediate withdrawal of all foreign armed groups and that the chiefs of defence forces meet within one week to set new timelines for the withdrawal and recommend appropriate deployment matrix.
Also, the presidents directed that this process is accompanied by dialogue and that any violations be reported to the chairperson of the Summit for immediate consultations among members of the Summit.
The Summit directed all troop-contributing countries to immediately deploy and urged the DRC to facilitate the deployment of troops from South Sudan and Uganda to the East African Regional Force.
