Press review of Monday November 27, 2023: A look back at the Arusha summit and the challenges of the DRC
In the newspapers published this Monday, the news focuses on the fallout from the Arusha summit, in which the Democratic Republic of Congo participated. According to La Tempête des Tropiques, the Congolese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister of Defense Jean-Pierre Bemba, took part in the 23rd Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) in Tanzania.
The final communiqué of the summit noted the refusal of the DRC to renew the mandate of the regional force of the EAC beyond December 8, 2023. This decision, taken after long discussions behind closed doors between the heads of state, signifies the end of the intervention of the regional force in the country, as highlighted by the Congolese Press Agency.
This decision is explained by the lack of satisfactory results on the ground, particularly concerning the resolution of the M23 problem, which hinders the pre-cantonment process in accordance with the agreements signed in Luanda, reports AfricaNews.
The unilateral withdrawal of the EAC regional force was preceded by a series of disagreements, notes Eco News. It seems that Kinshasa was isolated in its decision, but it finally obtained validation of the disengagement plan during the summit.
Furthermore, the Congolese Press Agency reports another news concerning the Leopards ladies U20. The national team players found themselves in a precarious situation, refusing to leave the hotel where they were staying until they received their bonuses from the Colombia 2024 World Cup qualifiers. Team captain Brigitte Ngamita said the players were in an overcrowded room, without food and exposed to harsh conditions.
In conclusion, the Arusha summit marked a turning point in the presence of the EAC regional force in the DRC, with the refusal to renew its mandate by the Congolese government. This decision demonstrates the need for concrete results on the ground and the DRC’s desire to take charge of its own challenges. At the same time, the situation of the national team players highlights the difficulties encountered by certain Congolese athletes in terms of recognition and living conditions.