Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the EAC: the DRC obtains a decisive diplomatic victory against Rwanda
The 21st Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) was held behind closed doors in Bujumbura, in a tense context marked by recent diplomatic tensions between the DRC and Rwanda on the M23 issue.
The presence of the Congolese State was ensured by a large delegation led by the Minister of State in charge of regional integration, Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi, accompanied by Professor Serge Tshibangu and other experts.
The meeting allowed the Heads of State and Government of the EAC to decide on sensitive diplomatic issues for the region, in particular the question of M23 and the future of the regional force of the EAC.
The Congolese State obtained an important diplomatic victory by succeeding in firmly opposing the integration of M23 elements into the verification team of the pre-cantonment site of its elements in Rumangabo. The DRC also demanded that the opportunity of the presence of the EAC contingent be reassessed as of June 15.
The final communiqué of the summit noted the end of the mandate of the regional forces for September 8, 2023, but also recommended close collaboration between MONUSCO and the regional force.
The DRC was thanked by the other EAC member states for facilitating the deployment of the regional force and for the observation of the ceasefire by the Congolese regular troops.
The next East African Community summit is scheduled to take place in Uganda at the request of Kenya.
This extraordinary EAC summit allowed the DRC to strengthen its diplomatic position in the region and send a strong signal regarding the preservation of its national sovereignty.