Here is the drafting of the article on the news in the Democratic Republic of Congo for June 01, 2023:
The 21st Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the EAC took place in Bujumbura, Burundi. This meeting was an opportunity for Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi, representing the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, to defend the position of the DRC. He strongly opposed the integration of the M23 in the verification team of the planned pre-cantonment site in Rumangabo, in the north of Goma. This negotiation was rejected with the support of the EAC Member States.
The final communiqué of this summit took radical decisions, in particular the end of the mandate of the regional forces on September 8, 2023. However, the DRC demanded that on June 15 an assessment of the presence of the EAC contingent be carried out to validate its relevance. During the summit, only the facilitator, Monusco and the FARDC were authorized to inspect the site of the pre-cantonment of M23 elements.
Kenya retains command of the regional force which is expected to deploy in accordance with the headquarters agreement (Sofa). The summit also recommends close collaboration between Monusco and the regional force to promote the pre-cantonment phase of M23 troops. The creation of a post of civilian head of mission was recommended to take care of the political aspect of future operations in symbiosis with the regional force.
In addition, the summit took note of the appointment of two Deputy Secretaries General of the EAC, Ugandan Agnes Mutawe Mwemba and Honorable South Sudanese MP, Andrea. Anta Ngeni of Rwanda has been appointed vice-president of the court of justice, with the new judge the Rdcongolese Kayembe kassanda Ignace-René.
However, the security situation remained precarious and the fight against impunity in the DRC is still ongoing. The ICC prosecutor is active in the province of Lituri where serious crimes have been committed. A carriers’ strike has disrupted the freight transport sector to the former Eastern Province. Political tensions were also palpable, with the arrest of Salmon Idi Kalonda Della, Moise Katumbi’s right-hand man.
The Common Front for Congo has sounded the alarm on the fragile security situation in the DRC. The province of Lituri remains a major problem, which is why it has become crucial to set up special economic zones to pacify this region.
Finally, Kentucky’s Congolese pivot Oscar Tshiebwe is closely watched by fans to find out if he will be drafted into the NBA. The Young Congolese Entrepreneurs Fair took place, a great opportunity to discover and support the innovative projects of young people.
The next Extraordinary East African Community Heads of State Summit will be held in Uganda at the request of Kenya