In a public statement made on Wednesday, May 31, the Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) gathered in the Burundian capital Bujumbura to discuss the security situation in the east of the Republic. Congo Democratic. During this exceptional meeting, these Heads of State strongly condemned the incessant violations of the ceasefire decreed in Luanda and Nairobi. Similarly, the regional force of the East African Community has been ordered to take action to stop the resumption of fighting in the region. EAC member countries have also urged the regional force to protect civilians and help displaced people return to areas evacuated by armed groups.
Heads of state in the region welcomed the deployment of all military forces from troop-contributing countries to their respective areas of operations, but called for a full deployment of South Sudanese troops to bolster security in the region. However, this position is not shared by the Congolese government and its army. Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba denounced the arrival of Rwandan troops (RDF) in support of M23 terrorists who are preparing hostilities against the FARDC. For his part, the spokesperson for the Congolese army, Major General Sylvain Ekenge denounced the warlike behavior displayed in North Kivu by the Rwandan army and its M23 auxiliaries.
In addition, the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have taken the National and International Community, MONUSCO, the various Verification Mechanisms and the EAC Regional Force to witness so that the terrorist movement respects the Nairobi agreements and commitments. and Luanda. Growing political tensions in DR Congo were also highlighted, with the arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda, Moise Katumbi’s right-hand man, and low levels of representation of women in the media. Indeed, a survey conducted by UCOFEM showed that women were strongly under-represented in the media in the DRC.
Latest news in the Democratic Republic of Congo also includes the death of Professor Lobo Kanza and the tribute ceremonies, the success of the measles vaccination campaign in South Kivu and the challenges linked to the projects of young Congolese entrepreneurs, despite the inspiring fair organized for them. The fragile security situation in the DRC was also highlighted during an appeal by the Common Front for Congo.
In sum, the East African community has strongly condemned the recent ceasefire violations in eastern DRC and demands that action be taken to end them. Growing political tensions and low representation of women in the media are serious issues that require increased attention