The EAC (East African Community) has convened an extraordinary summit to discuss the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the progress made in restoring peace. The Heads of State and Government hailed President Felix Tshisekedi for his commitment to consolidating the gains made by the East African Regional Force and extended the status of forces agreement for six months to continue consolidating these gains .
During the talks, the leaders also condemned ceasefire violations in eastern DRC and urged the EAC Regional Force to take action to prevent their recurrence. The Heads of State also called on regional forces to defend and maintain areas liberated by M23 and other armed groups.
The summit also called on the DRC and South Sudan to engage in bilateral discussions to resolve the issue of negative forces on their common border. However, the Minister of Regional Integration refused to allow Rwanda to be part of the verification team for the future site of the pre-cantonment of M23 elements in Rumangabo, in Rutshuru territory, north of Goma.
These measures are necessary to resolve the DRC’s problems in the east of the country. Nevertheless, they must be complemented by a broader political process to reduce ethnic and regional tensions and address the underlying causes of conflict. Overall, the development of the situation in the DRC is a hot topic in Africa, which must be followed closely.