Heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) have gathered in Nairobi to address ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a final statement, the EAC took note of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi’s commitment to restoring peace in the eastern part of the country and thanked all contributing countries who deployed troops to reduce clashes in this region. . However, the summit also condemned the ceasefire violations in eastern DRC and called on the East African Regional Force to take all necessary measures to stop their recurrence.
The Summit of Heads of State and Government recommended that the East African Regional Force guard and maintain areas liberated by M23 and other armed groups, oversee the orderly withdrawal of armed groups from remaining occupied areas and protecting civilians while supporting the return of internally displaced people to liberated areas. The regional force should also work with heads of defense forces, MONUSCO and other stakeholders to visit and verify that Rumangabo camp is suitable for pre-cantonment of M23 and other armed groups, while ensuring ensuring that local armed groups do not occupy the liberated areas concerned.
The summit called on the DRC and South Sudan to engage in bilateral discussions to resolve the issue of negative forces on their common border. In addition, the Heads of State also welcomed the swearing in of the Deputy Secretaries General of the EAC and Congolese Judge Kayembe Kasanda.
This meeting demonstrates that leaders in the region are concerned about the ongoing violence in eastern DRC and are focusing on ways to reduce clashes, allow people to return to their homes and prevent future displacement. However, it remains to be seen whether the EAC recommendations will be implemented by the regional force and yield positive results on the ground.