EAC military chiefs meet in Nairobi over escalating DRC crisis
This meeting marks a renewed effort by regional actors to contain the escalating violence in the eastern DRC, which has seen an increase in clashes involving armed groups, displacements, and cross-border tensions.
Regional military chiefs from East African Community (EAC) member states convened in Nairobi on Friday to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The high-level meeting, chaired by Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri, follows a directive from the recent joint EAC-Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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The discussions were preceded by a two-day session of the EAC Defence Experts Working Group, which laid the groundwork for strategic deliberations.
Speaking at the opening, EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to the Nairobi Process as the primary mechanism for supporting the DRC government in stabilising the region.
"The Community is committed to resolving the conflict in Eastern DRC, and we rely on you, the experts in defence and security. I am confident that you will provide the necessary steps that will ultimately lead to a solution," Nduva stated.
General Kahariri insisted on the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and rising violence in eastern Congo, calling for decisive and collective action.
"Our collective resolve and collaborative spirit during these deliberations reflect the strength and unity of the East African Community in pursuing regional peace and stability. I commend you all for your thorough analysis and actionable recommendations, which have significantly influenced our strategic decisions," he said.
The meeting focused on six key directives; immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance, reopening of main supply routes, development of a securitisation plan for Goma and surrounding areas, immediate reopening of Goma Airport and advice on other facilitative interventions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, military chiefs signed a final report with recommendations to be forwarded to the EAC Council of Ministers for further action.
This meeting marks a renewed effort by regional actors to contain the escalating violence in the eastern DRC, which has seen an increase in clashes involving armed groups, displacements, and cross-border tensions.
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