Defense chiefs from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Dar es Salaam on Sunday to debate methods for addressing the worsening safety disaster in japanese Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The high-level assembly, following an analogous session of EAC army chiefs in Nairobi final week, underscores sustained regional efforts to revive stability within the conflict-ridden area.
Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, was represented by Maj. Gen. James Birungi, the Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security. Other senior army officers included Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya of South Africa, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga of Rwanda, Gen. Charles Kahiriri of Kenya, and Gen. John Mkunda of Tanzania. Delegations from Zimbabwe, Zambia, the DRC, South Sudan, and Malawi had been additionally in attendance.
The discussions targeted on implementing directives from the current EAC-SADC Heads of State Summit held earlier this month in Dar es Salaam.
The assembly culminated within the signing of a joint proposal, which will probably be submitted to the EAC and SADC councils of ministers for additional evaluate earlier than being introduced to regional heads of state for closing approval and implementation.
Key resolutions reached included:
An speedy and unconditional ceasefire by all armed teams.
Facilitation of humanitarian help for displaced populations.
Opening of key provide routes to make sure unimpeded help supply.
Comprehensive securitisation of Goma and surrounding areas.
The protection chiefs additionally proposed further measures to stabilise japanese DRC, the place combating between authorities forces and M23 rebels has intensified in current weeks.
The safety scenario stays unstable, with renewed clashes resulting in vital territorial losses for Kinshasa. The armed group has reportedly seized management of strategic places, together with components of Goma and Bukavu, elevating fears of a humanitarian disaster.
The battle has triggered mass displacements, with 1000’s of civilians fleeing to refugee camps in neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda. Regional leaders have emphasised the necessity for a coordinated army and diplomatic method to stop additional escalation.
With the newest assembly in Dar es Salaam, each the EAC and SADC have reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening joint response mechanisms.
The closing choice on intervention methods now rests with the heads of state, who’re anticipated to fulfill within the coming weeks to evaluate the suggestions.
As diplomatic and army efforts acquire momentum, consideration will now flip to the EAC and SADC councils of ministers, who should refine the proposed methods earlier than implementation.
The coming weeks will probably be essential in figuring out whether or not regional intervention can convey lasting peace to japanese DRC or if additional instability looms.