The Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) was held recently to discuss the restoration of peace in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) . The leaders notably congratulated President Félix Tshisekedi for his commitment to peace in this region and agreed to extend the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) for six months. This is an agreement to consolidate the victories won by the East African Regional Force from March 8 to September 8, 2023.
The final communiqué of this community underlined that the Heads of State and Government strongly condemned the violations of the ceasefire in the eastern DRC. They also urged the EAC forces to take measures to prevent their recurrence. In addition, all contributing countries have deployed troops in their respective areas of operation and noted the reduction in clashes in eastern DRC.
During this meeting, the East African Regional Force was also asked to guard and maintain the areas liberated by the M23 and other armed groups, to ensure the protection of civilians and to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to areas liberated by armed groups. The summit also demanded that the regional force work together with the chiefs of defense forces, MONUSCO and other stakeholders to visit and verify, within three weeks, that the Rumangabo camp is suitable for pre-cantonment. M23 and other armed groups.
The East African community has also called on the DRC and South Sudan to enter into bilateral discussions to resolve the issue of negative forces on their common border.
The Minister of Regional Integration, Antipas Mbusa, has rejected Rwanda’s participation in the verification team for the future site of the pre-cantonment of M23 elements in Rumangabo, in Rutshuru territory, north of Goma.
It is important to emphasize that peace in eastern DRC remains a major challenge, and maintaining stability is a precarious situation that requires constant vigilance and sustained action. Elements of the East African Regional Force must work closely together to achieve this critical objective in the region.
In sum, this extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government of the East African Community represents a significant step forward for peace and stability in eastern DRC. Efforts to consolidate the victories achieved by the East African Regional Force are crucial to improving the security situation in this troubled region