The Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) has just ended in Burundi with radical decisions taken behind closed doors. The decisions optimize collaborative efforts between its states to promote the return of peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement, Mbusa Nyamwisi, representing Head of State Félix Tshisekedi in Burundi, categorically rejected the Rwandan proposal to see the March 23 Movement (M23) integrate the verification team of the future site of the pre-cantonment of its elements in Rumangabo.
However, the EAC strongly thanked the facilitation of President Tshisekedi for the deployment of the regional force, as well as the full respect of the ceasefire by the regular troops of the DRC.
The Summit took note of the end of the mandate of the regional forces for September 8, 2023 but underlined the importance of a mid-term evaluation, on June 15, 2023, in order to judge its appropriateness.
The EAC Heads of State and Government Summit also recommends close collaboration between the regional force and MONUSCO to facilitate the pre-cantonment of M23 troops. The DRC party under the leadership of the Minister of State in charge of Regional Integration Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi was accompanied by the High Representative of President Tshisekedi, Prof. Serge Tshibangu, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Samy Adubango Awotho, the DRC Ambassador to Burundi, Willy Mulamba, FARDC Deputy Chief of Staff, Gl Ychaligonza Nduru Jacques and experts.
The decisions taken at the summit aim to highlight the importance of collaboration between EAC member states to foster lasting peace in the DRC.