The East African Community (EAC) has extended the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) for six months, from March 8 to September 8, 2023. The Heads of State commended President Felix Tshisekedi for its efforts to restore peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They also condemned the ceasefire violations in the region and called on the EAC Regional Force to take action to end them.
The Summit of Heads of State and Government also urged the Regional Force to protect civilians and facilitate the return of internally displaced persons. They called on the DRC and South Sudan to resolve the issue of negative forces on their common border. The Regional Force must work closely with the defense forces, MONUSCO and other stakeholders to verify that the Rumangabo camp is ready to receive elements of the M23 and other armed groups.
The Minister of Regional Integration refused that the verification of this site be entrusted to Rwanda. The summit also took note of the swearing in of two EAC Deputy Secretaries General and two judges of the EAC Court of Justice.
These advances for the security of eastern DRC are crucial in view of the dynamics of citizens’ movements in the country and the call for the release of political prisoners. The deputies and senators of Together for the Republic issued an ultimatum last January to obtain the release of all political prisoners and the end of the dictatorship.
These advances are also of crucial importance for the population due to the food crises and the suspension of transport on the roads leading to the former eastern province. In short, these are important measures for the consolidation of peace and security in the region.